Effect of Maternal Age on the Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

Human umbilical cord (UC), once regarded as medical waste, has emerged as a valuable and ethically acceptable source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to its high availability and regenerative potential. Among UC-derived tissues, Wharton's jelly (WJ) is particularly rich in MSCs, making it a promising candidate for cell-based therapies; however, factors influencing the biological properties of these cells, including maternal age, remain insufficiently understood. This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of maternal age on proliferation and differentiation of MSCs from the WJ of human UC. In this comparative study, UC from healthy mothers grouped into five age groups (25-45 years old) were collected and treated to assess their proliferation and differentiation in vitro. The results indicate that the rate of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation are inversely associated to maternal age. The maternal age effect is important for clinical applications based on the use of MSCs from WJ.