What is Stem Cell Therapy?

       

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Steam Cells

Stem cells are cells that have the ability to generate various types of cells and tissues. Stem cells have the ability to create different types of cells obtained from various sources, such as early embryos and adult tissues.
There are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are obtained from the early embryo, and adult stem cells, which are obtained from adult tissues. Embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated cells present during early embryonic development that can differentiate into a variety of cell types. In contrast, adult stem cells are isolated from specific adult tissues and can differentiate into cells of that tissue.

CPF(Cell Processing Facility)

Cell cryopreservation room

About the 5 main types of stem cells

  1. Bone marrow-derived stem cells: Bone marrow is a major source of hematopoietic stem cells, which can differentiate into various types of cells. Bone marrow-derived stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types including blood cells. Due to the associated risks, the method of bone marrow collection requires careful consideration.
  2. Adipose-derived stem cells: Can be obtained from adipose tissue. Adipose-derived stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types including cells from adipose tissue, bone, cartilage, muscle, etc. Adipose-derived stem cells are considered to have lower risks associated with their collection compared to bone marrow-derived stem cells.
  3. Dental pulp stem cells: Can be obtained from the dental pulp of deciduous teeth. Dental pulp stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types including nerve, bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, liver, etc. Deciduous teeth typically fall out during childhood, and stem cells can be collected from preserved teeth.
  4. Umbilical cord blood stem cells: Can be collected from the umbilical cord when a baby is born. Umbilical cord blood stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types including blood cells. Umbilical cord blood collection is considered to be a low-risk method of stem cell collection compared to bone marrow or adipose-derived stem cells.
  5. Stem cells derived from embryonic tissue taken from fetuses between 6-10 weeks of pregnancy are known as embryonic stem cells. These cells are often obtained from the inner cell mass of the embryo, possess pluripotency, and can differentiate into various types of cells.Embryonic stem cells are extremely powerful and are fully capable of self-renewal and can also differentiate into all cell types from the mesoderm, ectoderm and endoderm lineages.
    Embryonic stem cells derived from embryonic tissue are used for therapy and research, but there are restrictions on their use due to ethical concerns about handling embryos. Recently, alternative sources such as adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been developed, which have gained attention in the field of stem cell research.

Frequently Asked Questions and Responses from Physicians and Clinics

Question:

If we cultivate and drip another person’s stem cells, will we receive their genes? Will their genes react in our body?

Answer:

By cultivating and dripping another person’s stem cells, you may receive some of their genetic information, but generally, it will not have a significant impact. Stem cells are cells with self-replication and differentiation capabilities, and they are used for treatment by utilizing their regenerative ability. If you receive stem cells from another person, there is a possibility that some of their genetic information will be inherited, but in reality, the received genetic information does not react in the body. This is because the body’s immune system does not recognize another person’s genetic information as its own. In other words, if you receive another person’s stem cells, the received genetic information will not be attacked and recognized in your body, and their stem cells can exhibit regenerative ability in your body.
However, in the case of xenotransplantation, there is a possibility of immune rejection, so it is necessary to consult with a doctor about the number of cells to be dripped and use immunosuppressive agents. Since there are risks involved in using stem cell therapy, it is important to have a thorough consultation with a doctor and choose an appropriate treatment method.