What are stem cells used for?

The spectrum of the stem cell field is large, and its functions regarding clinical applications as well as disease modeling are beyond our imagination. Beside the treatment of disease and research studies, the stem cells are used largely for cosmetic enhancement procedures like aging and hair improvement procedures and not to mention the skin correction procedures.

The Potentials Of Stem Cells

We can witness two specific types of functions of stem cells.  

i.                    Unlimited self-renewal capacity, meaning capacities of maintaining a pool of uniform stem cells

ii.                  Capacity to multiply into more than two differentiated related stem cells

Types Of Stem Cells For Medical Applications

There are different types of stem cells, which offer wide array offer applications for various purposes. There are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells or non-embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Embryonic Stem Cells

The key source of the embryonic stem cells is the human embryos. They are reengineered when they are only three-five days old through in-vitro fertilization.

Adult Stem Cells

Though they are known as adult stem cells, yet they can be found in young child’s tissues. For replacement and repair of damaged tissues or organ, adult stem cells are used in the same affected region.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

The method to turn adult stem cells into pluripotent stem cells like state is known as induced pluripotent stem cells.  The cells have the ability to turn into any cell types in the body and aid in the regeneration of new tissues and organs. The potential use of the iPSC is to find the disease etiology.

The application of stem cells in the clinical realm is really vast and subject to much research works and clinical trials.

Various applications in which stem cells are widely used.

• ·         Engineered stem cells help replace damaged tissue and organs
• ·         Improve the functions of certain organs which do not work properly
• ·         Research works to find genetic defects in cells
• ·         Disease modeling to find the etiology of the diseases, especially ailments likes cancers.
• ·         Clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety of certain new drugs

Process Stem Cells Treat Disease

Generally, when we think of stem cells, we think of stem cell based therapies and transplant. In this particular procedure, stem cells are manipulated to turn into important adult stem cells or embryonic stem cells so as to foster the development of tissue generation for damaged tissues and organ.

·         Spinal cord injuries affect neurons, and as a result, they cause different neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’sdisease and even dementia.

·         Cardiovascular disease and diabetes can achieve a better treatment possibility from stem cells transplant.

In addition, embryonic stem cells can be used to develop many cell-based therapies. These therapies are good at reengineering tissues for damaged heart tissues and restoring their proper functions.

The effectiveness of stem cells is not limited to certain diseases, but it can be a possible treatment option for almost every disease.

Apart from controlling and treating disease, it offers great potentials for cosmetic genetic modifications and is used for cosmetic purposes.

Stem Cells And Cosmetic Genetic Modifications

Whereas cosmetic genetic modification is concerned, it is widely used for preventing premature aging to foster more rejuvenated and younger looking skin. In addition, a female regenerative hair product infused with HSC660 or hair stimulating complex awaiting an approval from the FDA for the clinical trials is supposed to stimulate follicle stem cells to regrow hair and prevent hair loss. There are more to this type of cosmetic modification procedures using stem cells.

While the opportunities are wide, we can hope a faster approval from governing bodies so that we can achieve the benefits of stem cells as soon as possible lest it becomes too late.