Sunday 21 August 2016

Know About The Medical Uses of Stem Cells

Stem cells are the basic pool of cells from which all other kinds of cells are formed. Stem cells possess self-renewal and differentiation capability. They can multiply endlessly to produce their replica. They can also differentiate to form the more specialized kinds of cells, like neural or the blood vessels.

Stem cell therapy is used today for treating various neurological disorders. These cells are also being researched upon to treat other health conditions and fatal diseases as well. Bone marrow derived stem cells are the most widely used ones for therapeutic purposes. The umbilical cord stem cells are also used. Here are some of the medical uses of the stem cells.

Neuro-degenerative diseases

Stem cells, including their counterpart progenitor cells, offer Neuro-protective benefits. The cells also help in behavioral recovery, when transplanted into the body of patients affected by neurological diseases including Alzheimers, Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy and others.

Spinal Cord and Brain Injury

An injury to the spinal cord or brain or other allied conditions like stroke causes the death of neurons and other cells of the CNS like oligodendrocytes. Stem cell therapy replenishes the pool of lost cells. The cells also release certain growth factors that enable neural regeneration. Stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury is no less a miracle. Bedridden patients are able to walk and can assume their normal life functions again, post therapy.

Muscular Diseases

Some muscular diseases like MD or muscular dystrophy have genetic origins. Stem cells can help in restoring of normal muscle functions. For instance, muscular dystrophy stem cell treatment provides for restoration of oxygen supply to the damaged muscle tissues, secretion of cytokines or growth factors, delivery of the functional proteins and other benefits.

Blood Cell Formation

The immune system of the body can suffer from degradation that can be fatal. The mature RBCs or red blood cells are created and generated in-vitro in the form of HSCs or hematopoietic blood cells that are the precursors of the RBCs. The addition of the growth factor by the name erythropoietin help forming healthy RBCs. Stem cell transplantation can hence replenish the pool of RBCs and blood cells in the affected individuals.

Apart from these diseases, stem cells are also being researched upon for treating hair loss, tooth loss, AIDS, cancer, infertility and other health conditions. NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute (located in Mumbai, India) provides stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury, and a range of other neurological and muscular diseases.

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