In the conditions of the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, for the rehabilitation of the wounded soldiers after mine-explosive injuries, the scientists of the Institute of Cell Therapy have developed a method of wound treatment using the amniotic membrane, which is obtained from the placenta.
The use of the amniotic membrane in the treatment of wounds is based on its unique biological and structural features. It is a vascular-free, thin and strong material with the properties of an antimicrobial biological dressing, which contains different types of collagen, proteins, cytokines and growth factors that promote the development of blood vessels (angiogenesis), cell proliferation and the repair of damaged tissue. The amniotic membrane also contains immune cells (macrophages), neonatal fibroblasts capable of synthesizing new connective tissue, and mesenchymal stromal cells with high proliferative and regenerative potential. Amniotic membrane is an innovative, safe and effective drug used in regenerative medicine to accelerate the healing process and improve the condition of damaged tissues.
After the initial surgical and medical treatment of the wound, the amniotic membrane is applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and stimulate the regeneration of soft tissues. Preliminary results of experimental treatment demonstrated an impressive effect reducing the area of the wound surface, stimulating the growth of granulation tissue and epithelization of the wound edges; pain syndrome also decreases and the quality of life of patients improves.
Areas of application of the amniotic membrane in medicine include:
1. Treatment of chronic wounds. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane is used in the treatment of chronic non-healing wounds, in particular, in diabetic foot syndrome, arterial and venous ulcers, etc. The drug accelerates wound healing and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Ophthalmology. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane has long been used for the treatment of various eye diseases, such as ulcers and corneal defects, particularly of traumatic origin. The method of treatment of keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) of neurotrophic and infectious etiology, developed by the Institute of Cell Therapy in cooperation with the state institution “Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy n.a. VP Filatov of NAMSU”, already passed successful clinical trials (2016-2018) and is acknowledged abroad (https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/cryopreserved-amniotic-membrane-treatment-keratitis,https://csict.com.ua/rnd-research-articles/efficiency-of-the-cryopreserved-allogeneic-amniotic -membrane-transplantation-in-patients-with-infectious-and-neurotrophic-keratitis/?lang=uk).
3. Dermatology. Amniotic membrane can be used in dermatology to treat various skin problems such as burns, ulcers, scars, mine blast injuries and other skin wounds.
4. Orthopedics and traumatology. In some cases, the amniotic membrane can be used to treat joint or muscle injuries, promoting the healing of affected tissues and reducing inflammation.
The modern cryopreservation protocol with the use of cryoprotectants, developed by the Institute of Cell Therapy, allows maintaining the high viability of the cellular composition and proteins of the amniotic membrane at ultra-low temperatures under liquid nitrogen conditions, which makes the drug suitable for immediate use after thawing.
The unique biological material that is the amniotic membrane helps preserve and improve the structure and function of damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, promote faster wound healing, and can improve treatment outcomes in patients with various medical conditions.
