Researchers have discovered that stem cells are found in almost all parts of the human body. While this is good news for research, the ability to harvest these cells from all tissue is a challenge, but there are currently four different sources of these cells that are used in the treatment and research.
Embryonic Stem Cells
These are stem cells derived from embryos. They are typically collected from fertility clinics and are embryos that were developed to have a viable number of embryos for the in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Due to the moral and religious concerns with this type of harvesting, most clinics do not use embryonic cells.
Bone Marrow
Bone marrow can be used as a source of cells, and it is one of the oldest types of transplants used to generate tissue. While originally a very painful procedure, new methods, and technology can be used to make it more comfortable for patients. Most patients in Jupiter have probably heard of this source of cells and have a general understanding of the method. The primary drawbacks for this source relate to the age and health of the individual from which the stem cells are harvested.
Adipose Tissue
Fatty tissue on the body, known as adipose tissue, can also be a place to find these cells. Easy to harvest by using liposuction methods, there are some limitations to this source, particularly in the processing of the cells. Similar to bone marrow extraction, adipose derived stem cells decrease in number as we age and in potency.
Umbilical Cord Blood
The use of umbilical cord blood for stem cells has been a very exciting discovery for research and treatment. This is collected at the time of a healthy, live birth and poses no risk or pain to the mother or the infant.
The cells in the umbilical cord are able to work within a patient’s body to reduce inflammation, rebuild damaged tissue in the joints, increase the range of motion and to possibility assist in delaying or eliminating the needs for a person in Jupiter to have knee or hip replacement surgery.
