A child’s umbilical cord is a rich source of differentiated stem cells. The umbilical cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), while the cord tissue itself has mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells can be used to treat different diseases, such as HSCs' therapeutic uses on blood and immune based maladies, and MSCs can regulate a body’s response to inflammation. With proper cryogenic storage, these cells can be used in the future if such an event arises.
HSCs are the precursors to all the blood-based cells in your body. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all derived from them. HSCs are found in bone marrow where blood cells are produced, but a newborn also has them in the umbilical cord. If the umbilical cord blood is collected it can be used to treat diseases that affect the components of blood. Anemias and diabetes have been treated with these stem cells.
MSCs can differentiate into varied tissue types. The cell types attained from MSCs include bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat. MSCs of the cord tissue are located in the cord's Wharton’s jelly, a tissue that insulates umbilical blood vessels and is temperature sensitive, thus allowing a natural clamp of the cord during birth. MSCs derived from Wharton’s jelly have been shown to provide immune regulation and even neurological repair in clinical models.
The science of stem cells attained from umbilical cord blood and tissue is still in its infancy and is progressing more every year. With this, a demand is being made for more clinical trials and experimentation to further the field and understanding of these cells, along with their therapeutic use.
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THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you have a medical emergency or question, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 for assistance.
