There is extensive research into stem cell therapy across multiple fields, with thousands of clinical trials and studies being conducted worldwide. But what exactly can stem cell therapy treat? Stem cells have the potential to treat a wide range of conditions by repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged cells and tissues. Here are some of the most common and promising applications:
1. Orthopedic & Joint Conditions
• Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder)
• Tendon & ligament injuries (e.g., rotator cuff tears)
• Cartilage regeneration
• Sports injuries
2. Neurological Disorders
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Stroke recovery
3. Autoimmune & Inflammatory Diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Crohn’s disease
• Type 1 diabetes
4. Skin & Aesthetic Applications
• Anti-aging & wrinkle reduction
• Hair restoration
• Wound healing & scar reduction
5. Cardiovascular Conditions
• Heart failure
• Peripheral artery disease
• Recovery after heart attack
6. Eye & Vision Disorders
• Macular degeneration
• Corneal damage
• Retinitis pigmentosa
7. Other Potential Uses (Experimental & Developing)
• Lung diseases (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
• Kidney disease
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hearing loss
Many of these treatments are still in clinical trials, but some (like orthopedic and aesthetic applications) are already available in certain clinics. How do you go about harvesting and storing your own stem cells? Storing your own stem cells involves collecting them from a viable source, processing them, and preserving them in a specialized facility. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Choose a Stem Cell Source
You can collect stem cells from different parts of your body:
• Umbilical Cord Blood & Tissue (Best for newborns) – Collected at birth and stored for future medical use.
• Bone Marrow – Harvested from the hip bone under anesthesia.
• Adipose (Fat) Tissue – Extracted via liposuction and processed to isolate stem cells.
• Peripheral Blood Stem Cells – Collected through a blood draw after taking a mobilizing agent.
2. Select a Storage Facility (Stem Cell Bank)
• Private banks (for personal use) or public banks (for donation).
• Look for facilities with FDA approval and good accreditation (e.g., AABB, FACT).
3. Processing & Cryopreservation
• Stem cells are isolated, tested for viability, and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen at -196°C (-320°F) to maintain their integrity for decades.
4. Long-Term Storage & Access
• Most private banks charge an initial collection fee ($1,000-$3,000) and an annual storage fee ($100-$300).
• Cells can be retrieved later for medical use, usually with a simple request.
This current collection and storage price may be economically unviable for many, but like all technological advances, it may become more budget-friendly in the future.
Copyright 2024, GoHealthier.com
