A hybrid construct of decellularized matrix and fibrin for differentiating adipose stem cells into insulin-producing cells, an optimized in vitro assessment.

The generation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) is an attractive approach for replacing damaged ß cells in diabetic patients. In the present work, we introduced a hybrid platform of decellularized amniotic membrane (dAM) and fibrin encapsulation for differentiating adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) into IPCs. ASCs were isolated from healthy donors and characterized. Human AM was decellularized, and its morphology, DNA, collagen, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents, and biocompatibility were evaluated. ASCs were subjected to four IPC differentiation methods, and the most efficient method was selected for the experiment. ASCs were seeded onto dAM, alone or encapsulated in fibrin gel with various thrombin concentrations, and differentiated into IPCs according to a method applying serum-free media containing 2-mercaptoethanol, nicotinamide, and exendin-4. PDX-1, GLUT-2 and insulin expression were evaluated in differentiated cells using real-time PCR. Structural integrity and collagen and GAG contents of AM were preserved after decellularization, while DNA content was minimized. Cultivating ASCs on dAM augmented their attachment, proliferation, and viability and enhanced the expression of PDX-1, GLUT-2, and insulin in differentiated cells. Encapsulating ASCs in fibrin gel containing 2 mg/ml fibrinogen and 10 units/ml thrombin increased their differentiation into IPCs. dAM and fibrin gel synergistically enhanced the differentiation of ASCs into IPCs, which could be considered an appropriate strategy for replacing damaged ß cells.

Dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane to treat venous leg ulcers: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (DHACM) in Medicare enrolees who developed a venous leg ulcer (VLU). METHOD: This economic evaluation used a four-state Markov model to simulate the disease progression of VLUs for patients receiving advanced treatment (AT) with DHACM or no advanced treatment (NAT) over a three-year time horizon from a US Medicare perspective. DHACM treatments were assessed when following parameters for use (FPFU), whereby applications were initiated 30-45 days after the initial VLU diagnosis claim, and reapplications occurred on a weekly to biweekly basis until completion of the treatment episode. The cohort was modelled on the claims of 530,220 Medicare enrolees who developed a VLU between 2015-2019. Direct medical costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the net monetary benefit (NMB) at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY were applied. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed to test the uncertainty of model results. RESULTS: DHACM applied FPFU dominated NAT, yielding a lower per-patient cost of $170 and an increase of 0.010 QALYs over three years. The resulting NMB was $1178 per patient in favour of DHACM FPFU over the same time horizon. The rate of VLU recurrence had a notable impact on model uncertainty. In the PSA, DHACM FPFU was cost-effective in 63.01% of simulations at the $100,000/QALY threshold. CONCLUSION: In this analysis, DHACM FPFU was the dominant strategy compared to NAT, as it was cost-saving and generated a greater number of QALYs over three years from the US Medicare perspective. A companion VLU Medicare outcomes analysis revealed that patients who received AT with a cellular, acellular and matrix-like product (CAMP) compared to patients who received NAT had the best outcomes. Given the added clinical benefits to patients at lower cost, providers should recommend DHACM FPFU to patients with VLU who qualify. Decision-makers for public insurers (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) and commercial payers should establish preferential formulary placement for reimbursement of DHACM to reduce budget impact and improve the long-term health of their patient populations dealing with these chronic wounds. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Support for this analysis was provided by MiMedx Group, Inc., US. JLD, and RAF are employees of MiMedx Group, Inc. WHT, BH, PS, BGC and WVP were consultants to MiMedx Group, Inc. VD, AO, MRK, JAN, NW and GAM served on the MiMedx Group, Inc. Advisory Board. MRK and JAN served on a speaker's bureau. WVP declares personal fees and equity holdings from Stage Analytics, US.

Assessment of the proteome profile of decellularized human amniotic membrane and its biocompatibility with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Extracellular matrix-based bio-scaffolds are useful for tissue engineering as they retain the unique structural, mechanical, and physiological microenvironment of the tissue thus facilitating cellular attachment and matrix activities. However, considering its potential, a comprehensive understanding of the protein profile remains elusive. Herein, we evaluate the impact of decellularization on the human amniotic membrane (hAM) based on its proteome profile, physicochemical features, as well as the attachment, viability, and proliferation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC). Proteome profiles of decellularized hAM (D-hAM) were compared with hAM, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed. Proteomic data revealed that D-hAM retained a total of 249 proteins, predominantly comprised of extracellular matrix proteins including collagens (collagen I, collagen IV, collagen VI, collagen VII, and collagen XII), proteoglycans (biglycan, decorin, lumican, mimecan, and versican), glycoproteins (dermatopontin, fibrinogen, fibrillin, laminin, and vitronectin), and growth factors including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) while eliminated most of the intracellular proteins. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the epithelial and basal surfaces of D-hAM. The D-hAM displayed variability in fibril morphology and porosity as compared with hAM, showing loosely packed collagen fibers and prominent large pore areas on the basal side of D-hAM. Both sides of D-hAM supported the growth and proliferation of hUC-MSC. Comparative investigations, however, demonstrated that the basal side of D-hAM displayed higher hUC-MSC proliferation than the epithelial side. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the micro-environmental differences between the two sides of D-hAM while optimizing cell-based therapeutic applications.

Bioscaffold developed with decellularized human amniotic membrane seeded with mesenchymal stromal cells: assessment of efficacy and safety profiles in a second-degree burn preclinical model.

Therapies to deep burn injuries remain a global challenge. Human amniotic membrane (hAM) is a biomaterial that has been increasingly explored by the field of regenerative medicine. A decellularized hAM (DhAM) can be used as scaffold for mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to grow without the loss of their stemness potential, allowing its application as cell therapy for wound healing. In this work, we associated DhAM with adipose-derived MSCs (DhAM + AD-MSCs), as a therapy strategy for second-degree burns in a preclinical model. Animals with induced second-degree burns were divided into four groups: control, which consists of a non-adherent gauze; a synthetic commercial dressing as the positive control (Control+); DhAM; and DhAM plus rat AD-MSCs (DhAM + AD-MSCs), followed by detailed and long term analysis (5 weeks). The macroscopical analysis showed the healing improvement in the wound area after the DhAM + AD-MSC treatment. Histological analysis also showed no alteration in the animal organs and a regular epithelial progression in comparison to the control. This observation was also confirmed by the analysis of suprabasal layers in the neoepidermis with CK10, showing a stratified and differentiated epithelium, when compared to Control and Control+. A strong CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) labeling was observed in the first 2 weeks postburn in dermis and epidermis. The expression in dermis was stronger in the second week in the middle of the wound, when comparing the Control+ with DhAM + AD-MSCs (p= 0.0238). In the epidermis the expression of CD73 was increased in all regions when compared to the control. This data suggests the involvement of this protein on wound healing. A low CD11b labeling was observed in DhAM + AD-MSCs treatment group mainly in the last treatment week, in comparison to Control and Control+ (p< 0.0001), which indicates a reduction in the inflammatory process. MSCs through CD73 can release high concentrations of adenosine, an immunosuppressive molecule, suggesting that this could be the mechanism by which the inflammation was better modulated in the DhAM + AD-MSCs group. The results obtained with this preclinical model confirm the effectiveness and safety of this low-cost and highly available dressing for future clinical application as a therapy for burn treatments.

Cost-effectiveness of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allografts in lower extremity diabetic ulcer treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of using standard care (no advanced treatment, NAT) compared with an advanced treatment (AT), dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (DHACM), when following parameters for use (FPFU) in treating lower extremity diabetic ulcers (LEDUs). METHOD: We analysed a retrospective cohort of Medicare patients (2015-2019) to generate four propensity-matched cohorts of LEDU episodes. Outcomes for DHACM and NAT, such as amputations, and healthcare utilisation were tracked from claims codes, analysed and used to build a hybrid economic model, combining a one-year decision tree and a four-year Markov model. The budget impact was evaluated in the difference in per member per month spending following completion of the decision tree. Likewise, the cost-effectiveness was analysed before and after the Markov model at a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000 per quality adjusted life year (QALY). The analysis was conducted from the healthcare sector perspective. RESULTS: There were 10,900,127 patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, of whom 1,213,614 had an LEDU. Propensity-matched Group 1 was generated from the 19,910 episodes that received AT. Only 9.2% of episodes were FPFU and DHACM was identified as the most widely used AT product among Medicare episodes. Propensity-matched Group 4 was limited by the 590 episodes that used DHACM FPFU. Episodes treated with DHACM FPFU had statistically fewer amputations and healthcare utilisation. In year one, DHACM FPFU provided an additional 0.013 QALYs, while saving $3,670 per patient. At a WTP of $100,000 per QALY, the five-year net monetary benefit was $5003. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that DHACM FPFU reduced costs and improved clinical benefits compared with NAT for LEDU Medicare patients. DHACM FPFU provided better clinical outcomes than NAT by reducing major amputations, ED visits, inpatient admissions and readmissions. These clinical gains were achieved at a lower cost, in years 1-5, and were likely to be cost-effective at any WTP threshold. Adoption of best practices identified in this retrospective analysis is expected to generate clinically significant decreases in amputations and hospital utilisation while saving money.

Comparing ProKera With Amniotic Membrane Transplantation: Indications, Outcomes, and Costs.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of ProKera versus amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in managing ocular surface disease. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case series of patients who received either ProKera or sutured AMT for ocular surface disease. Patient demographics, treatment indications, retention time, percentage healed area, changes in visual acuity, and costs to the health care system were analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were identified and analyzed for each group. The main indications for using ProKera and AMT were similar, including corneal ulcer or epithelial defect due to chemical burns, neurotropic state, or herpes zoster keratitis. The average time to dissolution or removal was 24.8 days in the ProKera group, compared with 50.1 days in the AMT group. The average percentage of healed corneal area was 59% for ProKera and 73% for AMT. There was no significant difference between the initial and the final visual acuity within groups and when comparing both groups. In our expense analysis, ProKera had a total cost of 699.00 Canadian dollars (CAD), whereas the cost of suture AMT was 1561.52 CAD. ProKera priced at 11.85 CAD for each percentage healed surface area and at 21.39 CAD for AMT. CONCLUSIONS: ProKera allowed for a faster corneal healing than sutured AMT, although its total healed area was less than the latter. Moreover, ProKera is more cost-effective than AMT, thus reducing financial burden to our health care system.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Dehydrated Amniotic Membrane in Infectious Keratitis: A Small Retrospective Case Series and In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To describe a small case series of infectious keratitis with poor visual outcomes after amniotic membrane (AM) placement and to prospectively evaluate whether AM demonstrates antibacterial activity in vitro against pathogens commonly isolated from infectious corneal ulcers. METHODS: A retrospective case series and in vitro study of antibacterial activity of dehydrated AM using disk diffusion and measurement of inhibitory zones for bacterial assessment and inverted microscopy analysis for Acanthamoeba sp. growth. RESULTS: Three cases of known etiology infectious keratitis are described where the clinical presentation worsened after treatment with AM. In vitro analysis of dehydrated AM, with and without a soft contact lens, demonstrated no inhibition of growth against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Streptococcus pneumoniae. There was minimal growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, although these zones of inhibition were much smaller than that surrounding the positive control. For Acanthamoeba sp., solubilized, dehydrated AM did not alter cyst density. CONCLUSIONS: In an in vitro analysis, dehydrated AM did not provide evidence for a potentially clinically meaningful antibacterial effect against organisms commonly isolated from corneal ulcers.

Potential cost-effectiveness of using adjunctive dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft in the management of non-healing diabetic foot ulcers in the United Kingdom.

The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of using dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) allografts (Epifix) as an adjunct to standard care, compared with standard care alone, to manage non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in secondary care in the United Kingdom, from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS). A Markov model was constructed to simulate the management of diabetic lower extremity ulcers over a period of 1 year. The model was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of using adjunctive dHACM, compared with standard care alone, to treat non-healing DFUs in the United Kingdom, in terms of the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained at 2019/2020 prices. The study estimated that at 12 months after the start of treatment, use of adjunctive dHACM instead of standard care alone is expected to lead to a 90% increase in the probability of healing, a 34% reduction in the probability of wound infection, a 57% reduction in the probability of wound recurrence, a 6% increase in the probability of avoiding an amputation, and 8% improvement in the number of QALYs. Additionally, if £4062 is spent on dHACM allografts per ulcer, then adjunctive use of dHACM instead of standard care alone is expected to lead to an incremental cost per QALY gain of £20 000. However, if the amount spent on dHACM allografts was ≤£3250 per ulcer, the 12-month cost of managing an ulcer treated with adjunctive dHACM would break-even with that of DFUs treated with standard care, and it would have a 0.95 probability of being cost-effective at the £20 000 per QALY threshold. In conclusion, within the study's limitations, and within a certain price range, adjunctive dHACM allografts afford the NHS a cost-effective intervention for the treatment of non-healing DFUs within secondary care among adult patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom.

Dehydrated human amnion and chorion allograft versus standard of care alone in treatment of Wagner 1 diabetic foot ulcers: a trial-based health economics study.

AIMS: The aim of this health economics study was to estimate the cost-utility of an aseptically processed, dehydrated human amnion and chorion allograft (dHACA) plus standard of care (SOC) (group 1) versus SOC alone (group 2) based on a published randomized controlled trial in which patients who had an eligible Wagner 1 diabetic foot ulcer wound were randomized to either of these treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Markov microsimulation was used to project trial results out to a 1-year horizon time with a third-party payer perspective. The starting health state was an unhealed non-infected ulcer with other health states of healed ulcer, infected non-healed ulcer, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and absorbing states of dead or amputation. All patients started with unhealed non-infected ulcers at cycle 0. Costs were incurred by patients for procedures at hospital outpatient wound care provider-based departments (PBDs) and hospitals (if complications occurred) and were calculated using time-based activity costing methods. Effectiveness units were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) computed from literature utility values. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were also conducted. RESULTS: After 1 year, the calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for group 1 versus group 2 was -$4,373 with group 1 (dHACA) being dominant over group 2 (SOC). PSA demonstrated that group 1 had 69.2% lower cost values with increased positive incremental effectiveness for 94.9% of values. A willingness to pay (WTP) curve showed that about 92% of interventions were cost effective for group 1 when $50,000 was paid. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that dHACA added to SOC compared to SOC alone was extremely cost-effective in the defined trial population.

Assessment of Corneal Haze After PRK and the Effect of Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Graft by Corneal Densitometry.

PURPOSE: To assess whether densitometry analysis appropriately monitors the development of haze in myopic patients after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) when compared to subjective slit-lamp haze grade examinations, and whether sutureless cryo-preserved amniotic membrane reduced postoperative haze development when compared to the standard bandage contact lens. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort at the Center for Refractive Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. In the prospective study, participants underwent PRK for myopia. Postoperatively, a standard bandage contact lens was applied to the dominant eye and a sutureless cryo-preserved amniotic membrane graft to the nondominant eye. Participants were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively for haze formation and corneal densitometry using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and Scheimpflug imaging, respectively. RESULTS: Densitometry measurements at 6 months postoperatively were positively and significantly associated with the presence or absence of haze as assessed by slit-lamp examination in 39 patients (78 eyes; age range: 21 to 44 years). Eyes with increased densitometry measurements had 2.3 to 3.4 times the odds (P ⩽ .014) of having clinical haze on slit-lamp examination. Eyes with the amniotic membrane graft showed a positive correlation with increased corneal densitometry throughout most layers of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: Densitometry analysis appears to be a useful tool to supplement slit-lamp examination in monitoring haze development after PRK. The amniotic membrane failed to show a reduction in corneal densitometry in myopic eyes after PRK. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(5):293-299.].

Assessment of fresh and preserved amniotic membrane for guided bone regeneration in mice.

Thanks to its biological properties, the human amniotic membrane (HAM) can be used as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR). However, no study has assessed the influence of the preservation method of HAM for this application. This study aimed to establish the most suitable preservation method of HAM for GBR. Fresh (F), cryopreserved (C) lyophilized (L), and decellularized and lyophilized (DL) HAM were compared. The impact of preservation methods on collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) content was evaluated using Masson's trichrome and alcian blue staining. Their suture retention strengths were assessed. In vitro, the osteogenic potential of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) cultured on the four HAMs was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red quantification assay. In vivo, the effectiveness of fresh and preserved HAMs for GBR was assessed in a mice diaphyseal bone defect after 1 week or 1 month healing. Micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis were performed. The major structural components of HAM (collagen and GAG) were preserved whatever the preservation method used. The tearing strength of DL-HAM was significantly higher. In vitro, hBMSCs seeded on DL-HAM displayed a stronger ALP staining, and alizarin red staining quantification was significantly higher at Day 14. In vivo, L-HAM and DL-HAM significantly enhanced early bone regeneration. One month after the surgery, only DL-HAM slightly promoted bone regeneration. Several preserving methods of HAM have been studied for bone regeneration. Here, we have demonstrated that DL-HAM achieved the most promising results for GBR.

Design of Experiment, Preparation, and in vitro Biological Assessment of Human Amniotic Membrane Extract Loaded Nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Human amniotic membrane grafting could be potentially useful in ocular surface complications due to tissue similarity and the presence of factors that reduce inflammation, vascularization, and scarring. However, considerations like donor-derived infectious risk and the requirement of an invasive surgery limit the clinical application of such treatments. Moreover, the quick depletion of bioactive factors after grafting reduces the efficacy of treatments. Therefore, in the current study, the possibility of nano delivery of the bioactive factors extracted from the human amniotic membrane to the ocular surface was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nanoparticles were prepared using polyelectrolyte complexation from chitosan and dextran sulfate. The effect of polymer ratio, pH, and the amount of extract on particle size and encapsulation efficacy were studied using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. RESULTS: The optimum condition was obtained as follows: 4.9:1 ratio of dextran sulfate to chitosan, 600 µL amniotic membrane extract, and pH of 6. The prepared nanoparticles had an average size of 213 nm with 77% encapsulation efficacy. In the release test, after 10 days, approximately 50% of entrapped bioactive proteins were released from the nanocarriers in a controlled manner. Biological activity assessment on endothelial cells revealed amniotic membrane extract loaded nanoparticles had a longer and significant increase in anti-angiogenic effect when compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Our data elucidate the ability of nanotechnology in ocular targeted nano delivery of bioactive compounds.

Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment of Human Derived Composite Amnion-Chorion Membrane.

Human derived composite amnion-chorion membrane (ACM) has been used to facilitate wound healing due to reported anti-inflammatory properties and promotion of cell proliferation. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial properties of the ACM using novel methods to visualize the antimicrobial efficacy of membranes in situ at different time points. Porcine Pericardium Collagen Membranes (PPCM) served as membrane controls. Circular pieces of the membranes were used in three different assays: insert, agar contact and glass-bottom well assays. Streptococcus gordonii were spotted onto the membranes and the plates were subsequently centrifuged to ensure direct bacterial contact with the membranes in the insert and agar contact assays, thus better mimicking bacterial adherence in the oral cavity. After incubation at 37 °C for 8, 24, and 48 hours, the membranes were dyed with the Live/Dead BacLight Bacterial Viability fluorescence stain and analyzed via confocal microscopy. The results demonstrated that the ACM completely inhibited bacterial growth at all time points, whereas the PPCM did not demonstrate any antimicrobial properties. Within the limits of this study, the ACM showed extremely high antimicrobial efficacy against oral streptococci. In addition, our methods may be useful in assessing antimicrobial properties for biomaterials with minimum diffusion ability, when traditional assessment methods are not applicable.

Validation and assessment of an antibiotic-based, aseptic decontamination manufacturing protocol for therapeutic, vacuum-dried human amniotic membrane.

Amniotic membrane (AM) is used to treat a range of ophthalmic indications but must be presented in a non-contaminated state. AM from elective caesarean sections contains natural microbial contamination, requiring removal during processing protocols. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of antibiotic decontamination of AM, during processing by innovative low-temperature vacuum-drying. Bioburden of caesarean section AM was assessed, and found to be present in low levels. Subsequently, the process for producing vacuum-dried AM (VDAM) was assessed for decontamination ability, by artificially loading with Staphylococcus epidermidis at different stages of processing. The protocol was highly efficient at removing bioburden introduced at any stage of processing, with antibiotic treatment and drying the most efficacious steps. The antibacterial activity of non-antibiotic treated AM compared to VDAM was evaluated using minimum inhibitory/biocidal concentrations (MIC/MBC), and disc diffusion assays against Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Meticillin-resistant S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. Antibacterial activity without antibiotic was low, confirmed by high MIC/MBC, and a no inhibition on agar lawns. However, VDAM with antibiotic demonstrated effective antibacterial capacity against all bacteria. Therefore, antibiotic decontamination is a reliable method for sterilisation of AM and the resultant antibiotic reservoir is effective against gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

Assessment of tumor promoting effects of amniotic and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been applied in a variety of therapies recently. However, the role of MSCs in tumor progression remains largely elusive. Some studies demonstrated that MSCs can promote tumor growth, while others had opposite results. Therefore, the lack of evidence about the effect of MSCs on tumor cells impedes its further use. METHODS: In the current study, hMSCs from amniotic membrane (hAMSCs) and umbilical cord (hUCMSCs) were used to evaluate the effects of MSCs on tumor development in vitro and in vivo. Two different animal models based on subcutaneous xenograft bearing nude mice and a murine experimental metastatic model were established for in vivo study. Moreover, cytokines regulated by MSCs co-cultured with cancer cells SPC-A-1 were also analyzed by cytokine array. RESULTS: Our results indicated that hUCMSCs not only did not promote proliferation in cancer cells, but also inhibited migration. In addition, they inhibited tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Although hAMSCs also showed inhibitory effects on cancer cell motility, the proliferation of cancer cells was indeed enhanced. The in vivo data revealed that hUCMSCs did not promote tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma and gastric carcinoma xenografts. Nevertheless, hAMSCs could do. The results from murine experimental metastatic model also demonstrated that neither hUCMSCs nor hAMSCs significantly enhanced the lung metastasis. The data from cytokine array showed that 11 inflammatory factors, 8 growth factors and 11 chemokines were remarkably secreted and changed. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the data from in vitro and in vivo studies, the exploitation of hUCMSCs in new therapeutic strategies should be safe compared to hAMSCs under malignant conditions. Moreover, this is the first report to systematically elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in UCMSC- and AMSC-affected tumor growth and metastasis.