A stem cell is a cell with the capability of producing more similar cells and also produce other different types of cells through cell differentiation. Stem cells are usually found in the body of multicellular organisms.
There are two sources which are widely used in obtaining stem cells;
Embryos; the kind of stem cell derived here is the embryonic stem cell. The blastocyst form these cells. It involves destroying the embryo to get the cells.
Adult tissues; the adult stem cells are obtained from the adult tissues. These do not need an embryo to be destroyed before it can be obtained.
The use of stem cells as a means to provide a method of treating medical conditions and also controlling diseases is known as stem cell therapy.
A Stem cell therapy may also be called a regenerative medicine because it causes tissues which have diseases, injury or those not functioning properly to repair themselves. This is achieved using a stem cell or a cell produced from it. Stem cell provides a better alternative since it uses cells compared to transplant of organs which are limited in supply and difficult to obtain.
A stem cell may be grown in culture in a lab. The stem cell can then be engineered into the specialized type of cell which is required in the particular stem cell therapy. It may be a nerve cell, heart muscle cells or skin cells.
Once a stem cell has been specialized, it can then be transferred as an implant into the body of the patient undergoing the therapy.
A Stem cell therapy may also be called a regenerative medicine because it causes tissues which have diseases, injury or those not functioning properly to repair themselves. This is achieved using a stem cell or a cell produced from it. Stem cell provides a better alternative since it uses cells compared to transplant of organs which are limited in supply and difficult to obtain.
A stem cell may be grown in culture in a lab. The stem cell can then be engineered into the specialized type of cell which is required in the particular stem cell therapy. It may be a nerve cell, heart muscle cells or skin cells.
Once a stem cell has been specialized, it can then be transferred as an implant into the body of the patient undergoing the therapy.
What types of diseases and conditions can stem cell therapy be used for?
Stem cell therapy may be used in treating various conditions. The process of treatment may vary depending on the disease. Some conditions which stem cell therapy can be used for include;
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Autism
Heart failure - Cerebral palsy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Sources of adult stem cells
Bone marrow
Stem cells can be obtained from the bone marrow of the patient to be treated. The bone marrow provides a great source for obtaining CD34+ stem cells. Getting mesenchymal stem cells from the bone marrow may be difficult. Stem cells which are obtained from the bone marrow have the ability to aid the restoration of fluid flow in tissues to enable them to regenerate.
Adipose (fat) tissue
Stem cells which are gotten from the adipose tissue offer the greatest amount of mesenchymal stem cells. This makes them great in the treatment of injured tissues and conditions relating to the immune system. There are also T-regulatory cells present in the adipose tissue which protect against autoimmune diseases and also maintain and control the immune system.
Human umbilical cord tissue
The human umbilical cord provides stem cells which have an abundance of mesenchymal cells. Stem cells obtained from the umbilical cord possess properties which make them well suited to regenerating tissues. This is because mesenchymal cells possess the ability to repair tissues. They can also help to reduce swelling and to control the immune system.
Methods of implanting Stem Cell
Methods used in implanting stem cells may vary, and some of the methods include
Intramuscular
In this method, stem cells are implanted into the body through injections into the muscles. It may be used when performing a stem cell therapy on the heart.
Intrathecal
An Intrathecal injection is used where the condition to be treated relates to the nervous system. The stem cells are injected into the spinal fluid and can flow to both the brain and the spinal cord. The stem cells are injected through the lower vertebrae. Anesthesia is used during the procedure to control the amount of pain experienced by the patient.
Intravenous (IV)
Using the intravenous method involves implanting the stem cells through the vein. It is easy to perform and provides the highest form of safety for the patient. It also takes a short period to perform and is less painful.
Intra-articular
In this method, the joint to be treated is identified. A physician then injects the stem cells into the affected joint. This approach is also safe and painless. A common condition where it is applied is in a patient who has arthritis.
