What are stem cells?
Stem cells are non-specialised cells that have enormous reproductive potential and the ability to transform into specialised cells. Thanks to theseproperties, they are used in medicine to restore damaged cells. Perinatal stem cells are particularly valuable because of its youth and versatility.
Where do we find perinatal stem cells?
Umbilical Cord Blood
Umbilical cord blood stem cells have been used in the treatment of blood-related disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders.
Umbilical Cord Tissue
The umbilical cord tissue, which includes the Wharton's jelly, is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs have the potential to differentiate into various cell types including bone, cartilage, muscle, and neuronal cells.
Placental Tissue
The placenta harbors various types of stem cells, including amniotic epithelial cells and mesenchymal
stem cells.
These placental stem cells possess characteristics that make them suitable for tissue repair, anti-inflammatory properties, and immunomodulation.
Perinatal stem cells from these sources are easy to collect, and have lower risk of rejection in therapeutical use due to their properties. Ongoingresearch aims to further understand their potential in various medical applications to address a wide range of health conditions.