Optimization of the viability of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood after maternal supplementation with DHA during the second or third trimester of pregnancy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, the concentration of cells in cord blood units is limited and this may represent the main restriction to their therapeutic clinical use. The percentage of metabolically active stem cells provides a measure of the viability of cells in an UCB sample. It follows that an active cellular metabolism causes a proliferation in stem cells, offering an opportunity to increase the cellular concentration. A high cell dose is essential when transplanting cord stem cells, guaranteeing, in the receiving patient, a successful outcome. This study is designed to evaluate the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in pregnant women, in order to increase the quantity and viability of the cells in UCB samples.