Enormous Possibilities in Stem Cells

Stem cells are those cells that are capable of transforming into different types of cells that are present in our body. Until recently, bone marrow was the preferred source of obtaining these cells. But breakthroughs in the medical field have given us a new source of these ‘all important’ cells. This, relatively easy to explore source, is the umbilical cord blood banking. This blood is a major source of stem cells that are capable of turning into full-grown blood cells.

As such umbilical cord blood stem cells can be used in the treatment of many life-threatening diseases like leukemia and Alzheimer’s. These cells are capable of repairing the damaged cells in various parts of the body, even the most sensitive one- the brain. Various immune system related diseases and the diseases pertaining to the metabolic system are also curable in this fashion. Apart from that they also have the potential of regeneration of muscles that get damaged by one disease or the other. Actually, in the category of stem cells, the embryonic stem cells are given preference over umbilical stem cells because the latter are often termed as adult stem cells and hence are not considered much effective.

Now the scientific thought has underwent a sea change as regards the efficacy of umbilical cord blood collection. There is another benefit involved also and that being an end to debate over ethical issues involved in embryonic stem cells. The baby is not at all harmed and there is absolutely no question of ‘killing’ of any human life.

Because there is no awareness regarding the umbilical cord blood storage, many a time a person has to use the stem cells obtained from other person. These are not much effective and are often rejected by the recipient body. Only if a person has got his cord blood stored in such blood banks, can he be sure of getting his own stem cells for treatment. There is a need for great understanding and awareness in this regard as this ‘hot’ area of stem cell research has caught the fancy of some scientists as well as patients in the recent past. The track record of umbilical cord cells is very good as far as the success of the treatment is concerned. It is in no way inferior to that of embryonic stem cells – some specialists say it’s even better. The world medical fraternity is now moving towards this enormous possibility for the benefit of mankind.