|
The collection and storage of umbilical cord blood has become a hot topic these days, but why? Well, because the blood contained in a newborn baby's umbilical cord and to a lesser extent, her placenta, holds powerful cells known as "stem cells". Stem cells are cells that have the ability to regenerate tissue over a lifetime. The stem cells contained in umbilical cord blood (also known as Hematopoietic Stem Cells or HSCs ) should not be confused with embryonic stem cells, and the controversy surrounding them.
HSCs also have the ability to transform themselves into whatever specialized cell is needed by the body. It is in this way that they can help the body to regenerate it's cells and tissues. The stem cells can change into a red blood cell for example, and then will continue to produce healthy red blood cells as well as renewing itself by producing more stem cells. It's easy to see why stem cells are such a huge part of the body's "repair system"!
Because of these amazing properties, the stem cells contained in umbilical cord blood have begun to be transplanted into patients with illnesses like Leukemia or Hurler's Syndrome. The donated stem cells are able to transform into the cells that the patient's body needs, and can work to help their body regenerate damaged tissues and build enough healthy cells to turn the tide against the illness. Transplanted stem cells can also help the patient produce more stem cells that then continue to help them in their fight against illness.
Because of the power of the stem cells contained in umbilical cord blood many families choose to have it donated to a public cord blood bank for patients in need. Others choose to keep their newborn's umbilical cord blood in a private cord blood bank to save for later use for the child or another family member. There is some controversy surrounding this choice however because of the fact that autologous (from the same individual) stem cells are not generally used in treatment. Donated stem cells (allogeneic) are often more successful at matching all of the markers needed for a successful transplant.
The stem cells contained in umbilical cord blood can help do wonderful things. And some feel that we have only discovered a few of the many ways stem cells can help humans overcome illness and disease. Through continued study and research we will begin to understand all of the ways stem cells help the body function and how donations of stem cells from umbilical cord blood can continue to help those in need.
|
