What Is Wharton's Jelly?
Wharton's Jelly is a gelatinous connective tissue found inside the umbilical cord. During pregnancy, it helps protect and cushion the umbilical blood vessels. Researchers have found that this naturally derived tissue contains several biologically active components, including:
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)
- Growth factors and cytokines
- Extracellular matrix (ECM), which may act as a scaffold to support tissue remodeling
These components are currently being explored in regenerative medicine for their potential roles in cellular communication, immune modulation, and supporting structural repair.
Why Is It Being Studied?
Wharton's Jelly is being studied due to its combination of structural support and cellular signaling molecules. Scientists are particularly interested in:
- The paracrine signaling of MSCs, which may influence nearby tissues
- The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory signals from cytokines
- The ECM's role as a biologic scaffold, which may support healing responses
Although Wharton's Jelly is not approved for any therapeutic use, some investigational studies have explored its role in musculoskeletal and orthopedic contexts.
Ethical Sourcing and Use
Wharton's Jelly is collected from donated umbilical cord tissue after full-term live births. All donations require informed maternal consent. The tissue is processed in accordance with applicable guidelines to ensure ethical and regulated handling.
Applications using Wharton's Jelly remain investigational and are used only under physician-supervised protocols where allowed.
FDA Disclaimer: Wharton's Jelly has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Its use is considered investigational. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for medical advice or care.