Stem cell therapy represents an advancement in the realm of healing and recovery, standing out more than just a typical treatment choice. It’s akin to possessing a tool like a Swiss Army knife in addressing medical conditions ranging from the ordinary to the intricate. To simplify it for you, let’s delve deeper. What exactly is stem cell therapy and why is it generating excitement within the field Fitness Reserve?
Think of stem cells as a team of superheroes, with the remarkable ability to adapt to any situation to provide aid when required. They serve as the body’s cells capable of transforming into diverse specialized cell types. Whether it involves regenerating damaged tissues or regulating responses, stem cells offer an array of advantages.
Stem cell sources and their usage in therapy
Let’s kick things off with a topic we all know: bone marrow transplants. Did you know that this method is actually one of the forms of stem cell treatment available? Essentially stem cells are extracted from a donor. Then transferred to a patient commonly used to treat conditions, like leukemia. This therapy has been in practice since the 1980s. Has played a role in saving many lives. It’s truly remarkable how we have utilized the potential of stem cells in combating cancer for such a time isn’t it?
Moreover it’s worth noting that bone marrow isn’t the only reservoir of stem cells at our disposal. The human body is akin to a treasure trove when it comes to harboring stem cells in nooks and crannies. Let us do a rundown of some places from where stem cells are extracted for the therapy:
Umbilical Cord (Placenta
Adipose Tissue (Fat)
Neural Stem Cells
Epithelial Stem Cells
Skin Stem Cells
The list we just shared above is just the tip of the iceberg. Scientists are on their way to transform our differentiated cells and transforming them into stem cells. These stem cells are called Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and have emerged as a promising option. These cells possess the ability to develop into various cell types of tissues and organs making them a valuable asset, in the field of medicine. That said, there is a major drawback that has stoppen iPSCs from becoming mainstream medical procedure. It is because of their engineered nature. So what happens is that iPSCs can occasionally exhibit erratic behavior leading to the formation of tumors. As a result, major research efforts are aimed at mitigating these risks.