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Stem cells became famous at the end of the XNUMXth century. They are cells that can transform and divide in an unlimited way. Although it is generally believed that they are suitable for the treatment of almost any disease, today they are used in only three therapies.
Stem cells – what are they?
The definition of stem cells says that they are a group of human cells that can divide and turn into other types of cells in an almost unlimited way. There are two divisions – due to the ability to differentiate, as well as their origin.
According to the first division of stem cells, the following are distinguished:
- totipotent stem cells – have the greatest ability to transform, they form a human embryo and can turn into virtually any type of cell, including placental cells,
- pluripotent stem cells – formed at a later stage of the embryo, have properties almost identical to the previous type, with the exception of the possibility of building a placenta,
- multipotent stem cells – they can create different types of cells, but only with approximate characteristics, for example, hematopoietic cells found in the bone marrow,
- unipotent – they are able to transform into only one type of cell, e.g. skin cells.
Due to their origin, they are divided into:
- embryonic stem cells contained in a human embryo,
- somatic stem cells, derived from the tissues of adult organisms.
Where are the stem cells?
There are several sources of stem cells. The first are embryos containing totipotent cells. Obtaining them, however, is controversial because it requires the destruction of the human embryo. Multi-embryonic cells can be collected from the bone marrow or peripheral blood.
One of the least invasive ways to obtain stem cells is to collect them from umbilical cord blood. Some of the therapies offered by clinics also use cells from adipose tissue, nervous tissue, or intestines. However, it is worth remembering that these are unipotent cells, and therefore can develop only one type of cell.
Anyone whose HLA antigens are compatible with the recipient’s organism can be a stem cell donor. In some cases, the donor may also be the recipient himself.
Operation of stem cells and available therapies
Thanks to their properties, stem cells can be used in three proven and safe therapies. It is about:
- bone marrow transplant, including hematopoietic stem cells in the treatment of blood cancers or immunodeficiency,
- the Holoclar method, which uses limbal stem cells taken from a healthy eye, then grown in a laboratory, for implantation into an eye with a damaged cornea, e.g. as a result of burns,
- skin grafts after very severe ulcers and burns.
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Many medical experiments are currently underway. Stem cells, more specifically glial cells, have a chance to regenerate the spinal cord. In addition, they make it possible to produce mini organs that are then used for research into diseases and the effects of drugs. It is worth noting that a large proportion of the therapies offered by clinics around the world are not supported by scientific evidence. One of them is, for example, treating autism with stem cells.