Breakthroughs In Cord Blood Stem Cells Therapy
Recent scientific research in the area of cord blood stem cells therapy indicates that major developments have taken place. The use of umbilical cord blood from newly born babies holds the key to breakthroughs in research for many diseases. Stem cells are considered the building blocks of the body because they have the potential to develop into many different types of cells. These cells can then be used to treat particular diseases in many parts of the body.
Significant advances have shown that cord blood stem cells are as effective in research and therapy as embryonic cells. The use of embryonic stem cells has been a topic of hot controversy and the availability of them is limited. By contrast, the availability of umbilical cord stem cells is almost unlimited. This large potential supply will help doctors and researchers move ahead quickly in the future.
Currently, cord blood stem cells are already being used to help in specific diseases such as diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease. The stem cells can be grown outside of the body in the laboratory to create the specific type of cells needed. They can then be transplanted to aid the body by producing healthy cells instead of diseased ones.
Researchers around the world have already been finding important uses for stem cells therapy. Scientists have been able to use these cells to help repair the lungs after injury. This may lead to the future ability to diagnose or prevent cystic fibrosis. Stem cell therapy has been successful in the treatment of lupus, an inflammatory disease that affects the joints, skin and kidneys. The treatment helped to increase survival rate of patients to 84%.
Research scientists have been able to produce a mini-liver using cord stem cells. Using the same technique they hope to develop a full sized, fully functioning liver that can be transplanted. The stem cell techniques are promising in that they show great potential for combating many human diseases in the future. Aside from these findings, cord stem cells are also being used to treat stroke patients, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and certain types of arthritis.
Scientists are optimistic about the capability of cord blood stem cells therapy for many types of diseases as time goes on. They are hopeful that these stem cells will provide cures for cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis, among others. In fact, almost any disease may be treatable in the future using cord blood stem cells.
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