3 Types of Stem Cells and their Uses in Treatment
- Posted on: Mar 8 2018
Stem cells, could in a sense, be called the building blocks of the human machine. Varying stem cells serve varying functions. Stem cells produced alter over the course of one’s life. Last but not least, where these stem cells are found also differs depending on their function.
Why is This Relevant?
For those seeking any form of stem cell treatment abroad, it makes sense to have a basic understanding of some of the types of stem cells out there as well as their relevance in treatment!
3 Types of Stem Cells
We’re going to delve into 3 types of stem cells as well as how they are used in treatments today.
Embryonic
These stem cells, known as embryonic stem cells are derived from the inside of a group of cells called a blastocyst. This is what eventually advances to the cells that make our tissues and further, our organs.
Extracted cells are nurtured under laboratory conditions. These grown cells possess the versatile abilities of the original embryonic stem cells that they are harvested from.
These cells can be used to grow pretty much any part of the human body sans the umbilical cord as well as the placenta.
Tissue Specific
These stem cells also go by the name somatic stem cells as well as adult stem cells on occasion. These stem cells are localized and are generally able to grow and form the tissue type of the area they are found in.
One example is bone marrow cells. These can be used to grow all types of blood components but not organs such as the intestines, heart or lungs.
In a functioning human body, such tissue specific and localized stem cells give aid in growth as well as repair of the organ and other tissue in the place where they are found.
That being said, these are hard to locate and not as conducive to growth in a lab controlled culture setting as their embryonic counterparts.
IPS Cells
IPS stands for Induced pluripotent stem cells. These are engineered under laboratory conditions by inducing various tissue specific cells to behave as embryonic stem cells do.
Though IPS cells are currently used extensively for research, their application for treatment due to engineering techniques is still being debated.
What Good Are All These?
The question remains, how are all these stem cells used for treatment? There are a number of ways that these cells contribute to treatment both directly and indirectly.
Research and Development
Stem cells are used extensively for research. Research areas include human growth and development, genetic diseases (both degenerative and otherwise) and the study of various non-genetic yet deadly illnesses.
They are also used to help try out novel methods of treatment before opening to human testing.
Treatment
The unique ability of stem cells to evolve into tissues specific to locality makes them the perfect option to treat a number of illnesses and ailments.
Some examples of treatments that employ the use of stem cells include extensive burn treatment, disorders and maladies associated with blood as well as certain forms of organ malfunction or failure or orthopedic conditions.
Winding Down
With more and more research being done in the area of stem cell therapy, it will not be long before these treatments will be available the world over and provided by highly reliable and qualified medical practitioners.
For the moment, practitioners in some parts of the world have had more experience with stem cell therapy than others.
Traveling for Treatment
Besides it being hard to find a reliable practitioner for stem cell therapy in the U.S., it is also extremely costly. Places like Mexico offer affordable stem cell treatments and therapies to patients visiting from other countries. They also boast other medical services such as bariatric surgery, dental care and cosmetics at a far less cost than back home!
Don’t Panic
Don’t panic. Receiving treatment abroad is easier and cheaper that at home! If you’re worried about all the planning and organizing, we’ve got that bit covered. All you need to do is decide on what treatment you’re looking for, scout your options and get in touch!
Posted in: Bariatrics