INTRODUCTION TO STEM CELLS
What are Stem Cells?
 Stem cells are cells found in the human body that have the unique ability to divide continuously, often throughout the life of a human. In fact, they are the “master” cells that will transform into cells that form the brain, nerves, muscles, and other body parts.
Current stem cell research is generating strong evidences about how healthy stem cells, when under the right conditions or signals, can give rise to differentiated cells such as skin, neurons and hematopoietic cells. These cells can further be used to replace damaged or diseased tissues in a particular human organ.
| Figure 1. Stem Cells Differentiate Into Many Cell Types |
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| (Source: http://www.cordbloodusa.org/articles-a5-Cord_Blood_Stem_Cell.htm) |
What are Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells?
Umbilical cord blood, otherwise known simply as “cord blood’ or “placental blood”, is the blood that remains in the newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta following birth. Cord blood stem cells are the key building blocks of the human blood and immune system. In other words, cord blood stem cells can be used to generate red blood cells and cells of the human immune system.
The baby’s umbilical cord blood is a rich and valuable source of stem cells, which are genetically unique to the baby and his/her family. It is an alternative source of stem cell transplantation, where traditionally bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells have been used. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are less prone to develop Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) than either bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells. This is because the umbilical cord stem cells have not yet develop into features that could be recognized by our own body cells and tissues.
REASONS FOR STORING CORD BLOOD
Umbilical cord blood provides a painless, safe and non-controversial means of acquiring stem cells that can be used to treat patients with rare blood disorders, such as the sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and leukemia. In the past, cord blood was considered a medical waste and are often discarded following child birth.
Since the discovery of its potential to treat a range of blood disorders, various institutions are aggressively educating the public on the value of cord blood. As a result, more and more families are choosing to collect and store their baby’s cord blood stem cells in blood banks like CryoCord.
| Other reasons why more and more families have chosen to collect and store their baby’s cord blood stem cells include:- |
a) |
Cord blood collection is a simple, quick and painless process that neither interferes nor complicates the delivery process; |
b) |
Cord blood stem cells are generally preferred in stem cells transplantation, because they offer a lower complication rate compared to bone marrow transplantation; |
c) |
The baby’s cord blood stem cells that are stored with a private cord blood bank, can be readily made available should the need arises. This eliminates the time needed to search for a matching donor’s stem cells and allows treatment to begin promptly; |
d) |
The baby’s cord blood stem cells guarantee a 100% perfect match for the baby and can potentially increase the odds of having a match for their siblings and parents; |
e) |
Cord blood stem cells are recognised as one of the most promising medical treatments for the future. Currently, expecting parents can store their baby’s cord blood, which can then be used to treat over 80 different types of diseases. |
There are basically two types of cord blood banks : public and private. Public cord blood banks store cord blood stem cells that are donated by baby’s parents, which are then made available to anyone in immediate need of a stem cells transplantation. Private cord blood banks, on the other hand, provide families with the option to collect and store their cord blood cells for their EXCLUSIVE use, if the need ever arises. |
