Stem cell effectively creates new organs and tissues to replace those that have been damaged or lost due to injury, diseases, or even genetic situations. These new cells are then transferred to the body to replace the damaged ones.
Stem Cell Storage is the gathering and preservation of the cells in umbilical cord tissue and blood which is later used for treatments or for clinical trials. Despite the importance of these, there aren’t many available storing options.
One of the common methods of stem cell storage is cryopreservation but this is quite demanding and highly unsafe due to the use of expensive liquid nitrogen needed in its preservation.
Types of Stem Cells
The following are the three major types:
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Embryonic Stem Cells
This type is gotten from an embryo which is not more than five days old. It is also responsible for supplying new cells to an embryo until it gradually develops and grows into a child.
They are equally capable of changing their form into any other cell or dividing into several in the body. This allows them to easily repair tissues and organs that are diseased.
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Adult Stem Cells
These are often found in small quantities in the bone marrow or fat. As some cells get damaged, this type is responsible for supplying new ones which will grow and replace the old ones.
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Induced Pluripotent
This type is created by scientists and can easily develop into any type of cell. They are made by reprogramming regular adult cells such as blood or skin to turn into stem cells.
Functions of Stem Cell
The following are some of their functions:
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To Generate New Organs
Although damaged organs can be exchanged with healthy organs gotten from a donor, the immune system may reject it as the system considers it to be foreign to the body.
New organs however can be generated from the patient through the induced pluripotent stem cell which also stands a lower chance of facing rejection.
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To Treat Health Conditions
It is a healthy alternative for patients suffering from blood conditions like thalassemia and cancer that makes one lose their blood stem cells in the course of treatment.
People who suffer from severe burns can have their skin regenerated with the skin stem cells. If you are searching for home remedies for skin burn, you can read this article.
other related articles of interest:
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Used for Research Purposes
The study of stem cell helps to identify their specific function in the body and how their development can work to recreate new organs. It also studies the effects of various drugs on the new organs and tissues.
Research also seeks to understand its properties and how the body can build them to restore destroyed cells.
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Used to Treat Diseases
They can be used to treat diseases such as age-related macular degeneration which causes loss of sight since the cells located in the retina stops functioning.
However, a new retinal pigment epithelium is developed using stem cell-induced pluripotent. This is dropped into the patient’s eye and it gradually restores the destroyed cells.
Image Credit: stem cell storage methods by envato.com
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