Stem Cell Therapy and Its Use for Patients
Stem cells therapy has been
acknowledged to be a new medical boon, and many of us want to hear about the
latest advancements and discoveries in stem cells and the science of
regenerative medicine. Myriad of degenerative conditions have been harassing
the mankind, mainly due to unavailability of concrete treatment pattern in the
conventional way of medicine. For that matter, scientists all over the world
are trying to explore inherent mechanism that is forcing stem cells to repair
and regenerate.
Stem cells are identified to be
the naïve cells of our body, which are involved in defining the entire cellular
system. Although, stem cells applications have been recently explored, since
the year 1970’s blood stem cells are widely used to treat many blood related
disorders, like leukemia, malignant diseases, etc. The treatment can now be
categorized as approved therapy and is being beneficial to many patients, who
have been suffering with variety of blood related disorders.
Further to which, scientists have
diverted their attention from autologous to allogenic applications of stem
cells. Since then, number of sources have been identified from human body,
which can be processed for further isolation of stem cells, like skin stem
cells, extra embryonic tissue stem cells, etc. Scientists could demonstrate
growth of new skin cells, from isolated skin biopsy, which could eventually be
developed into an entirely new sheet of cells to be applied directly on wounds.
Although, this crude development could not be supported; as the new skin, that
is being formed did not have supported structures, like oil glands, sweat
glands, hair follicles, etc.
Recently, more emphasize is
expressed in stem cells isolated and cultured from autologous tissues, like
bone marrow and adipose tissues. Hematopoietic stem cells isolated from bone
marrow can develop a niche suitable for cellular growth, multiplication and
regeneration; whereas stromal cells are the cells, which are actually involved
in differentiation of dead and/or damaged cells. Thus, scientists have come to
the conclusion that no particular stem cell can promote specific activity, on
the other hand, cocktail of cells are to be involved like stromal mesenchymal
stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and PRP to confirm an effective treatment
outcome.
In the past decade or two,
different applications of stem cells have been investigated and have been
further studied for better treatment outcome. Although, it is still early to
define the efficiency of stem cells, in the current scenario; these stem cells
have been exhibited to be having better functioning capacity and better
adaptivity required for cellular differentiation. Accordingly, the leading
areas of progress can be noted as macular degeneration, neurological conditions
like Alzheimer’ disease, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, etc. Metabolic disorders like
diabetes mellitus, liver
disorders, etc. Moreover, it should as well be noted that
various other clinical investigations are going on, to test specific drugs that
have been manufacture to stimulate resident stem cells in patient’s body.
Widespread applications of stem
cells have confirmed the treatment to be safe and feasible; although
effectiveness and degree of cure is very individualistic, it cannot be
statistically analyzed.
Comments
Post a Comment