Abstract: The amniotic fluidderived stem cells (AFSC) possess considerable advantageous characteristics including high proliferation potential, easy availability, low immunogenicity and oncogenicity，and accordance with medical ethnics. Moreover, they do not require the sacrifice of human embryos for their isolation and the cells can differentiate into all three kinds of germs. Accordingly，they initiate a new and very promising field in stem cell research and they will be a potential source of stem cells for therapies related to regeneration medicine of cardiovascular diseases. The research about the AFSC utilization in cardiovascular diseases is just started. Though there were some exciting breakthroughs, there still remain many challenges. In the article，we will discuss AFSC characteristics, influence of amniotic fluid harvesting time on stem cells, isolation and purification, emphasizing mainly on the potential of AFSC differentiation into cardiovascular cells, current situation and problems in this field.
ObjectiveThough investigating the causes of untreated congenital heart disease among children aged 3–14 years in Panzhihua city, to provide the basis for formulating intervention measures in the next step.MethodsA survey was conducted on the children aged 3 to 14 years in Panzhihua city from March 2015 to December 2017. The causes of untreated congenital heart disease were analyzed. Results Of 148 children with untreated congenital heart diseases, 82 were found to have congenital heart disease or heart murmur before screening. Among them, 59 parents (71.95%) thought that hospitalization was expensive; 42 parents (53.84%) thought that their children were asymptomatic and did not need treatment. Doctors suggested that 13 children (15.85%) be observed. Sixty-six patients of congenital heart disease were found for the first time in this screening, with an average age of 7.11±1.23 years. The patients in the rural population (n=44, 81.82%) were significantly more than the patients in the urban (n=12, 18.18%, P<0.01). Atrial septal defect ranked the first among the diseases, and 45 (68.18%) children did not regularly participate in child health care after birth.ConclusionMost families with untreated congenital heart disease in Panzhihua city think that the cost of treatment is high and there is no need for treatment. And most of them do not participate in child health care regularly. Atrial septal defect ranks first among the diseases. Free screening and treatment of congenital heart disease is of great significance in Panzhihua city.