The Effect of Angiotensin II, Retinoic Acid, EGCG, and Vitamin C on the Cardiomyogenic Differentiation Induction of Human Amniotic Fluid-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Human amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AF-MSCs) may be potentially applied in cell therapy or regenerative medicine as a new alternative source of stem cells. They could be particularly valuable in restoring cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction or other cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the potential of biologically active compounds, namely, angiotensin II, retinoic acid (RA), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), vitamin C alone, and the combinations of RA, EGCG, and vitamin C with angiotensin II to induce cardiomyogenic differentiation of AF-MSCs.