Stem cells: medical gold!

What are stem cells?

Stem cells, often called “master/founder cells”, are considered the basic building blocks of our bodies as they have the potential to become any type of cell in the body. For example, they become the specialised cells that are found in the blood, bones, connective tissue, nerves and organs in every part of the human body. This ability and the fact that they can also renew themselves and therefore replace sick and diseased cells, make stem cells worth their weight in gold!

Embryonic stem cells

Embryonic cells are found and extracted from embryos usually discarded after successful in vitro fertilisation. These cells are pluripotent, that means they are able to develop into any of the tissues in the body and are therefore very special and much in demand. However, the harvesting and use of these cells have caused a lot of controversy. Some people argue that life begins at conception when the male sperm enters the female egg and removing the inner cell mass of already fertilised eggs constitutes ending one life (the embryo’s/developing foetus’) to benefit another. Embryos that have been fertilised in a woman’s body are generally not used. Using embryonic stem cell technology is either strictly controlled or frowned upon and even banned in some countries. Fortunately, scientists discovered a new type of stem cell in amniotic fluid that may in future provide an alternative to embryotic stem cells.

Adult stem cells

Most adult stem cells are multipotent, that means they are only able to form new cells identical to the tissue in which they are found and are referred to by their tissue origin. They do a remarkable job, though, repairing and maintaining the tissues and organs in which they reside. Pluripotent adult stem cells are rare and small in number but can be found in the umbilical cord of babies.

Placental and umbilical cord stem cells

Placental and umbilical cord stem cells harvested from new-born babies (after birth and after the umbilical cord has been cut) are considered the cream of the crop of “adult” stem cells. They are very special “virgin” stem cells that are not yet infected or affected by immune reactions because they have not yet been exposed to infections that trigger these reactions.

One of the main reasons for harvesting and storing these cells is that they are a 100% match for the child it was taken from should any future diseases and injuries occur and a transplant is needed. There is also a one in four possibility that these cells and tissue will be a match for siblings and a one in eight chance that even parents may benefit from a transplant using these cells.

These great advantages are unfortunately also coupled with the ethical questions that arise when a so-called “saviour” baby is conceived mainly to supply new, virgin stem cells to a sick sibling. Some argue that this constitutes creating human beings solely for medical purposes. However, the choice is not illegal and a private matter between all parties concerned. This may be the only chance a terminally sick child/person has for survival.

Haematopoetic stem cells (HSGs)

Umbilical cord blood stem cells, also known as haematopoetic stem cells (HSGs), are currently used to treat more than 70+ blood-related diseases, such as leukaemia, blood-related cancers, lymphomas, sickle cell anaemia and many others. These stem cells are also found in abundance in human bone marrow and treatment is often through bone marrow transplants.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Umbilical cord tissue stem cells, also referred to as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are also harvested and used for a variety of medical and aesthetic conditions, such as renewing and restoring burned and damaged skin, regenerating and repairing nerve damage sustained during strokes, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. MSCs are also found in, of all places, the developing bud of the third mandibular molar tooth in children and in human fat cells! The MSCs are used in heart muscle regeneration as well as cartilage, bone, tendon and ligament repair. These marvellous stem cells can also be replicated and artificially grown in a laboratory.

Storage

The harvesting and storage of stem cells is a simple and safe procedure that should be done by professionals. Stem cells are processed and stored in stem cell banks according to validated international accreditation standards. Stem cell banks also have to comply with the Human Tissue Act that prohibits them from using your stem cells for research or for other individuals. Another advantage, especially for South Africans, is that long-term storage cryo-preservation tanks filled with liquid nitrogen is used. These tanks are electronically monitored and have stand-by generators that are NOT dependent on Eskom’s on-off electricity supply. Many people regard storing their own and especially their children’s stem cells as a form of medical insurance.

 

Sources
A quick guide to stem cells. Retrieved from: http://www.netcells.co.za/guide.php.
Cryo-Save stem cell storage banks in South Africa. Retrieved from: http://www.cryo-save.co.za/lp-cryo-save/?gclid=CLn3gK6E5LcCFabLtAodGXkAmQ.
Mandal, AM. Stem cell controversy. Retrieved from: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Controversy.aspx.
Stem cells. 2013. Retrieved from: http://za.ask.com/wiki/Stem cell?lang=eng