Seasons of Life
Medical Stem Cell Treatments Regenerating Tissue
By Linda Barnes
You may have a notion of what stem cell treatments can do. Perhaps someone you know has had a stem cell transplant to treat leukemia, a blood disorder, or another cancer. Did you know that stem cells are being studied, and even used, for many other medical applications? Interest in stem cells has flourished in recent years, as scientists began to see the possibilities for treating a variety of medical conditions. Stem cells are the basic building blocks that can reproduce identical cells or differentiate into specialized cells such as bone, blood, or other tissues. Stem cells can be acquired from amniotic fluid or umbilical cords that have been donated with consent. Stem cells can also be gathered from one’s own blood, bone marrow, or fat tissue. Bone marrow from a donor is another possible way to collect stem cells, in a process called bone marrow aspiration. First, local anesthetic is used to make the donor more comfortable. Then, a needle is used to collect bone marrow blood from the hip area. This blood is then processed, as minimally as possible, to concentrate and separate the stem cells. The cells are then able to be injected, guided by ultrasound, into the area that is being treated. When we sustain an injury, our bodies have their own mechanism for regenerating tissue to repair or replace that which is damaged. If you cut your finger, the process goes into high gear to begin knitting the tissue back together. The same
thing happens with bone injuries or fractures. Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves, but damaged tissue is sometimes slow to recover. It takes a long time for the ligaments around an ankle sprain to heal, especially when we must walk to maintain our daily routines or to fulfill our job. Healing may also slow down due to aging. In some cases, healing takes longer simply because an injury is extensive. Doctors are now utilizing stem cells in therapies to facilitate healing and regeneration of tissue. Some success has been achieved with conditions involving cartilage insufficiency. For example, osteoarthritis from wear and tear on joints may improve with stem cell therapy. So many of us experience painful joints as we age! The cartilage that cushions a joint simply wears down over time. Stem cell therapy may help repair some of the damage, allowing us to have less pain and get back to more active lives. Other common conditions that respond favorably to
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