The well-established and widely used stem cell treatment involves the transplantation of stem cells to treat diseases and conditions of the immune system, brain disorder or to restore the strength of the skeletal bones (after an accident or any disease). Stem cell therapies have been thoroughly recognized as safe and effective treatment.
Many doctors, at well-known neuro-rehabilitation hospitals, have suggested that patients undergo stem cell treatment for treating chronic neurological conditions or incurable diseases related to muscles. Stem cells are basic components that can differentiate into types of specialized cells, according to the requirements of the body and hence, are also known as somatic (a Greek word meaning “of the body”) cells.
Let us dig into various categories and potential of stem cells:
Types of Stem Cells
The three major types of stem cells involved in treating disorders and diseases are:
- Embryonic Stem Cells: These differentiating cells are derived from early-stage embryos, which are later harvested in the laboratories. Embryonic Stem cells are pluripotent that can divide into more cells to adopt the properties of any cells in the body. Their usage and multiplication tendencies are, however, still being reviewed.
- Adult Stem Cells: Adult stem cells are derived from developed tissues and organs. These somatic stem cells multiply to rejuvenate damaged tissues and dying cells. They are found in both adults and juvenile, unlike embryonic stem cells. These cells are currently being used frequently in treatments of neurological conditions, in well known Mumbai hospitals like NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute.
- Cord Blood Stem Cells: These stem cells are collected from the umbilical cord and can be preserved for future use. They can produce cells found in the blood and are useful in treating blood diseases like leukaemia.
Regenerate Tissues, Bones and Cartilage
Certain mesenchymal stem cells harvested from the bone marrow are promising for skeletal tissue regeneration. These cells develop into cartilage tissue, which later changes into bone tissue.
Stem Cells can be used to Treat Everything
Stem cells have the capability to replace the neurons damaged by Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and other neurological problems. They can help to produce insulin to treat people with diabetes and produce heart muscle cells to restore the damage after a heart attack or replace any tissue or organ injured or diseased.
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells contain cells of the endothelial, muscle hematopoietic and neuronal lineages. These stem cells highlight the potential of defining the function of genes in early development.
Preserve Your Child’s Stem Cells
Stem cells derived from umbilical cords can be stored for future use in a ‘Stem Cell bank’. It is easy to collect and can treat both children and adults.
Have Stem Cells Already Been Used To Treat Diseases?
Yes, doctors have performed stem cell transplants at many hospitals across the Globe. Stem cells can replace the damaged cells damaged by chemotherapy or a disease. They fortify the immune system to fight diseases like leukaemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, etc. with adult stem cells.
An advantage of using adult stem cells is that they are derived from the patient’s own cells. This also reduces the risk of repelling or a possibility of an allergy.
