Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates and alternative strategies are needed. Stem cells have become a therapeutic option for other intestinal diseases, which share some features with NEC.

Along with colleagues, Simon Eaton and Paolo De Coppi, both from University College London Institute of Child Health, have tested the hypothesis that amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells exerted a beneficial effect in a neonatal rat model of NEC.

Mairi McLean discusses their findings with them.

Read the full paper:

Amniotic fluid stem cells improve survival and enhance repair of damaged intestine in necrotising enterocolitis via a COX-2 dependent mechanism http://goo.gl/EFUuN0