Stem Cells
What are they, how do they work, and who may benefit from them.
What are they?
Stem cells are unique cells that haven't yet taken on a specific role in the body. They can change into different types of cells and multiply through cell division, known as mitosis, to create more stem cells.
There are two main types: embryonic stem cells from early embryos and adult stem cells from developed tissues. During early life and growth, stem cells can become various cell types. They also work as an internal repair system, continuously dividing to replace other cells as long as we are alive. As we age, stem cell production decreases, hindering the body's ability to fix itself and recover from injuries or damage effectively.
Who may they benefit?
Stem cell therapy holds promise for treating a wide range of health conditions. It may provide potential treatments for degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and age-related eyesight decline.
Additionally, stem cell therapy could aid in the regeneration and repair of tissues for patients with injuries like spinal cord injuries, cartilage damage, or heart tissue damage after a heart attack. Also, it offers hope to people with inherited conditions, as it might provide new and effective treatments for their specific genetic needs.
How do they work?
Stem cells can divide and differentiate into specialized cells. They can divide over and over again to produce new cells. As they divide, they can change into the other types of cells that make up the body.
Stem cells also function as part of a repair system that maintains and replenishes cells throughout your entire life. They achieve this by decreasing inflammation, protecting injured cells, and stimulating other cells to regenerate.
Stem cells can divide and differentiate into specialized cells. They can divide over and over again to produce new cells. As they divide, they can change into the other types of cells that make up the body.
Stem cells also function as part of a repair system that maintains and replenishes cells throughout your entire life. They achieve this by decreasing inflammation, protecting injured cells, and stimulating other cells to regenerate.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy involves obtaining stem cells from different sources, such as embryos, adult tissues, or reprogramming specialized cells. Once isolated and prepared in a laboratory, the stem cells may be guided to differentiate into specific cell types relevant to the healing process.
These prepared stem cells are then delivered into the patient's body targeting the damaged tissues, promoting regeneration and repair by transforming into the specific cell types needed for healing and releasing essential growth factors.
When introduced into the body, stem cells can release anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors that help to dampen excessive inflammation and promote a healing environment.
In certain inflammatory conditions, such as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, or multiple sclerosis, stem cell therapy modulates the immune response, reducing inflammation and minimizing damage to affected tissues.
Additionally, stem cell therapy may benefit conditions with inflammation-related symptoms, such as osteoarthritis or chronic wounds, where the treatment could promote tissue repair and reduce inflammatory responses.
Does it Help With Inflammation?
Is Stem Cell Therapy Safe?
It's important to note that stem cell therapy is a rapidly evolving field, and specific procedures may differ depending on the medical facility, the expertise of the medical team, and the nature of the condition being treated.
The safety and effectiveness of stem cell therapy depend on carefully selecting stem cell sources, proper techniques for preparation and delivery, and adherence to regulatory guidelines. As research and clinical trials continue, stem cell therapy is expected to advance, offering new and improved treatments for various medical conditions.
What Else Should I Know?
What Else Should I Know?