Wharton’s jelly is a gelatinous substance found within the human umbilical cord. This material encases the umbilical arteries and vein, providing a protective environment for these blood vessels. It was first described by Thomas Wharton in 1656, and its properties have made it a subject of scientific interest. Its significance extends beyond its structural role, given its composition and potential for various therapeutic applications.
Anatomical Role in the Umbilical Cord
The primary function of Wharton’s jelly within the umbilical cord is to safeguard the umbilical arteries and vein. It acts as a natural cushion, preventing compression, kinking, and torsion of these vessels. This protective action helps maintain uninterrupted blood flow between the mother and the developing fetus.
The turgor and elasticity of Wharton’s jelly provide structural support to the umbilical cord. Its gelatinous consistency helps the cord withstand mechanical stresses it might encounter during fetal development and birth. The mucopolysaccharides within Wharton’s jelly contribute to its flexibility, allowing it to stretch and move without compromising its integrity.
Cellular Makeup and Stem Cell Content
Wharton’s jelly is composed of an extracellular matrix providing structural support and biochemical cues to its cells. This matrix is rich in mucopolysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, which contribute to its gel-like consistency. It also contains collagen fibers and proteoglycans like decorin and biglycan. These components form a supportive environment for cell growth and development.
Within this matrix are fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are multipotent, non-hematopoietic cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell lineages, such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle cells. Wharton’s jelly is a valuable source of MSCs due to their abundance.
Wharton’s jelly MSCs are easily collected after birth, without harm to the mother or baby, making them an attractive source. Compared to MSCs derived from adult tissues like bone marrow or adipose tissue, Wharton’s jelly MSCs are often described as “younger” and more “naïve.” This youthfulness translates to higher proliferation rates, a faster growth rate, and the ability to retain their multipotency for more passages in laboratory cultures.
Wharton’s jelly MSCs also exhibit low immunogenicity, meaning they are less likely to trigger an immune response when transplanted. This low immunogenicity is due to their unique molecular profile. This characteristic makes them suitable for allogeneic transplantation, using cells from a donor.
Therapeutic Applications of Wharton’s Jelly Stem Cells
The properties of Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs have led to their exploration in regenerative medicine applications. Their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types are promising for tissue repair and regeneration. They show potential in repairing damaged tissues like cartilage, bone, and nerve. For example, they are investigated for musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis and bone fractures, promoting cartilage and bone regeneration.
Wharton’s jelly MSCs also possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, relevant for treating immune-mediated diseases. They interact with immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses, beneficial in conditions like autoimmune diseases and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). They achieve this by secreting various bioactive molecules.
Ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring the potential of Wharton’s jelly MSCs in many areas. They are investigated for neurological issues like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injuries. Studies also suggest their use in treating chronic liver and kidney diseases, and cardiac tissue repair after ischemic heart disease. Their therapeutic effects are often attributed to their paracrine activity, where they release beneficial molecules that modulate the microenvironment, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration.