Did you know that the human body has an inbuilt repair toolkit? This toolkit called stem cells can help treat several diseases ranging from blood disorders to some of the deadliest cancers and more. Stem cell preservation can help you tap into the life-saving potential of these stem cells.
But where are these stem cells found? And what’s the best way to preserve them? These are some of the many questions we’ll answer in this blog. So let’s get started.
Different Sources Of Stem Cells Explained
Stem cells can be broadly divided into 4 kinds based on their origin. These include:
1. Embryonic Stem Cells
These stem cells are derived from the embryos which are about 3-5 days old. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can develop into any cell type in the body. That’s the reason they can be used to heal damaged tissues and organs.
However, the use of these embryonic stem cells is surrounded by huge ethical concerns, given their involvement with live human embryos. Also, donating oocytes for embryo culture involves medical risk to the donor. Additionally, embryonic stem cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and carry the risk of forming tumours. Further, there’s a possibility of triggering an immune reaction in the host by using embryonic stem cells.
2. Adult Stem Cells
Adult stem cells, also called somatic stem cells, are found in adult tissues like bone marrow, fat, etc. These stem cells can renew themselves and create new cells that can replenish the defective ones. Adult stem cells are further categorised into
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells (Blood Stem Cells)
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells
- Neural Stem Cells
- Epithelial Stem Cells
- Skin Stem Cells
However, adult stem cells have a limited pluripotency and therefore a restricted potential. Even though there are no ethical concerns, adult stem cells can’t be manipulated as freely to give the desired cell type.
3. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
The regular adult cells can be genetically reprogrammed to function like embryonic stem cells. Such stem cells are called iPSCs. While doing so lowers the risk of immune reaction in the host, as in the case of embryonic stem cells, scientists don’t yet have the complete information as there is limited research so far.
4. Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells
The umbilical cord connects the baby to their mother in the womb. It’s a source of nourishment for the growing fetus and helps remove waste from the body. But the umbilical cord also contains cord blood which is a rich source of stem cells. These stem cells possess the power to treat over 80 life-threatening conditions.
The sourcing of cord blood stem cells is not only ethically sound but also legally permissible. Moreover, the collection process is simple, painless and absolutely safe for both the mother and the baby. Studies show that cord blood stem cells also carry a much lower risk of an immune reaction or graft vs. host disease, which is a major complication of stem cell transplants.
Having read through all these sources, it becomes quite obvious that cord blood stem cells are a winning choice for anyone planning to go for stem cell preservation. Many experts today recommend cord blood banking over other sources of stem cells. And we have already gone through the reasons for the same. But while opting for cord blood banking, it’s also important that you choose the right stem cell bank. You must ensure that the bank you choose has the necessary certifications, accreditations, and a good track record.
An excellent choice could be LifeCell—India’s leading stem cell bank with a huge customer base. More than 4.5 lakhs of parents trust LifeCell where they get access to over 75000+ cord blood units. This gives them a >97% chance of finding a stem cell match in case of transplant needs for the baby, their siblings, parents or even grandparents.
Summing Up
Before opting for stem cell preservation, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each of the sources of stem cells. This will help you in making the right decision for your family’s future health.
For all expecting parents, cord blood banking can be the much-needed lifeline for their family to rely on. It can safeguard them against the impact of 80+ potential diseases in the future. To learn more call 18002665533.
