Scientific progress and an ever watchful media have familiarized us with stem cell banking – a concept unheard of a few years ago. Most expecting couples are being educated by healthcare providers to not throw away the umbilical cord, but to bank the cord blood for the child’s healthy future. Questions are asked, though: is it really worth the investment; is it just some far fetched science expedition, or a fad created by commercial companies? With no familial history of chronic diseases, perhaps one does not need it. Or may be the generation next will have better testimonials to decide whether to go for it or not! There are possibilities coming up for banking of stem cells from sources beyond the umbilical cords as well.
Folk beliefs, rituals of placenta and mythology
Medicine, until a few years ago, used to consider the placenta’s job to be over after a child is born and discard it as a waste. Our ancestral belief system however always associated more value with it. In many cultures, there is a tradition of preserving the placenta to protect the new born or the mother from the evil and then do a ceremonial disposal. People also preserve the dried umbilical cord stub in their scrapbooks. In many Asian societies, the placenta is considered as a twin sibling or a companion of the baby.
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are specialized cells in our bodies that have the ability to divide for indefinite period in culture to give rise to new cells. They can also be called as master cells and can be directed to perform special functions. There are two types of stem cells- Embryonic and Somatic (Adult).
Embryonic stem cells can be derived only from the early stage embryos (4-5 days) which destroys them. Therefore, though the embryonic cells have the highest potential of regenerating and repairing the damaged organs or tissues, there are ethical issues associated with them. The best possible source however could be the left over embryos by the couples undergoing in vitro fertilization.
Somatic stem cells are found in our own body tissues such as bone marrow, placenta, umbilical cords, ovarian epithelium, testis, fat muscles, teeth and now even organs like brain, heart, liver and blood vessels have been identified to have them. It is only recently that these stem cells have been discovered for their versatility and growing beyond their boundaries of origin i.e. being capable of regenerating into whole new cells. Yet, these cells are known to have their own limitations and there is lot of research underway for the possibilities.
What is Stem Cell Banking?
With the immense potential of treating the incurable diseases and conditions, many medical and research organizations globally have formed the facilities to bank the stem cells. The most easily available stem cells are through umbilical cords.
Once the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord connecting the mother and the baby is cut and disposed off because of its no further use to either of them. Now, scientists have found that the blood in the umbilical cord and placenta has abundant stem cells. These stem cells are 100% biological match to the new born and a minimum of 25% match to the siblings. This is why the new medical science urges to bank these stem cells for the child’s or their sibling’s healthy future. These stem cells are cryopreserved (preservation at sub zero temperatures) and can be used when needed. The proposed storage for banking is up to 15-20 years. There are possibilities of international shipping of the specimens with the global movements and relocations of people.
Present scope and future possibilities of Stem Cell Banking?
With the ability of regenerating cells and tissues there has come lot of hope to treat the untreatable diseases and conditions through stem cells. Stem cells are being used to treat Leukemia, Thalassemia, Neuro and Muscular degenerative diseases and in all above 130 diseases. There are some successful trials also in the case of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiac failure, Multiple Sclerosis, Retinitis pigmentosa and Spinal cord injuries. Scientists believe that soon there will be treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and so many other degenerative and chronic diseases. There are more than 500 clinical trials underway.
There is also stem cell banking of the menstrual blood cells on the radar. Experts suggest that these cells can be used for any tissue damage related ailments such as arthritis, pancreas and cardiac related ailments. In the recent reports, possibility of myelin (coating on nerves) regeneration from the fat tissues has been discussed. It could cure many demyelinating or neurodegenerative diseases. Imagine the double benefits of liposuction!
Stem Cell Banks in India
Chennai based LifeCell is the first Stem Cell Bank in India. Cryocell, a Florida based stem cell banking facility in USA has tied up with LifeCell. Reliance Lifesciences in India is known to have opened up collection centers in key locations in India while Cryobank is also among the pioneers in stem cell banking in India. The cost of stem cell banking is between INR 60,000-80,000.
Bank or donate but don’t throw away
If there is a family history with a predisposition of some incurable ailments, the decision can be made easy with the promises that the science holds. What is anyways there to lose except money even if chances for using the stem cells are slim for all good reasons? Whatever be the case, umbilical cords should probably be not just thrown away. With so many amazing healing and regenerative potential, the other option for these stem cells could be donation to public cord banks.
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in December, 2009. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.
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Anju is a Strategic Communication Specialist.
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