Stem cells are unspecialized cells that differentiate into specialized cells and are the basis of all tissue and organ cells of the body. There are three two main sources of stem cells used to treat injuries and chronic diseases: adult stem cells, and umbilical cord stem cells. Adult stem cells are found in various tissue in the human body, but the two most common types are bone marrow derived stem cells and adipose derived stem cells. Typically stem cell clinics use one or two types of stem cells to treat disease, but the Stem Cells Transplant Institute offers treatment using bone marrow derived stem cells, adipose derived stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells.
Once considered a waste product, umbilical cord stem cells contain up to 10 times more stem cells than adult stem cells and are now being used to treat debilitating, chronic diseases such as; Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis. The type of stem cells used to treat our patients are based on factors such as age of the patient, the type of disease being treated, and the number of stem cell needed for transplant.
A regular cell is only capable of creating more cells just like it but a stem cell is pluripotent, meaning in can make any of 220 different types of cells in the body. A stem cell also has the ability to self-renew, or reproduce itself many, many times.
Advantages of umbilical cord stem cells
- Abundant supply containing up to 10 times more stem cells than bone marrow or adipose derived stem cells
- Greater proliferation ability than adult stem cells
- Low risk of viral or bacterial contamination
- They regenerate at a very rapid rate
- They are young and very adaptive
- They have not been impacted by the aging process
- They have not been affected by environmental toxins
- Collection is safe and non-invasive
- No ethical, religious, or political issues
Collection and Storage
We use only umbilical cord stem cells derived exclusively from umbilical cord donations. “The umbilical cord stem cells are collected after informed consent has been given by the parent or parents and only after the delivery of the baby. Parents typically don’t even notice the trained obstetrician is even collecting the cord blood. Once collected, the cord blood is then screened for disease. Any blood that is contaminated or infected is destroyed.
Umbilical cord stem cells can be used even after decades of storage. Immediately after collection the stem cells are frozen but remain intact. The freezing process stops the aging process and once thawed the cells are still young and maintain their full potential to specialize and regenerate.
What Type of Stem Cell Therapy is Best?
Adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue or bone marrow have been shown to effectively treat diseases such as; Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, aging, and erectile dysfunction. For most patients using stem cells from their own adipose tissue or bone marrow is an extremely effective way to repair and reverse the damage due to aging and disease however as we age our ability to self-heal become less effective. Children heal at a much faster rate than an older person and that is because young stem cells are more capable of dividing. Each stem cell has a limited number of times it can regenerate and that is why, as we age, we are more susceptible to chronic, age-related diseases. For some patients using a larger number of younger, more agile stem cells may be a more effective way to treat their disease. You and your physician can determine which type of therapy is best for you.
What are the Differences Between the Different Types of Stem Cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ideal for treating many kinds of injuries and diseases and can be derived from many different kinds of tissue including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and cord blood.
Bone marrow derived MSCs (BMSC) can be extracted from a patient or a donor by aspiration, typically from the iliac crest or sternum. Bone marrow stem cells are most commonly used in bone marrow transplants in patients diagnosed with leukemia or certain types of hematopoietic disease. Studies have shown bone marrow derived stem cells to be an effective treatment for some chronic or degenerative disorders. The process for extracting MSCs from bone marrow can be painful but we make every effort to reduce any possible pain to the patient.
Adipose derived MSCs (AMSC) are surgically extracted from a patient’s own fat tissue, using liposuction. Adipose tissue is easily accessible and provides an abundant rich source of multipotent adult stem cells. These type of stem cells are quickly and easily collected, additionally, only a small amount of adipose tissue is needed. The process for collecting adipose derived stem cells is less invasive, safer, less painful and faster than collecting MSCs from bone marrow.
Umbilical cord derived MSCs (HUCT-MSC) are derived from the umbilical cord. We use only umbilical cord stem cells, which are derived exclusively from umbilical cord donations. “The umbilical cord stem cells are collected after informed consent has been given by the parent or parents and only after the delivery of the baby. We follow strict ethical protocols ensuring the stem cells are from safe, reliable sources using a non-invasive, simple and painless procedure.”
Why Stem Cell Therapy?
Regardless of the type of stem cell therapy used, stem cell treatments help:
- Accelerate healing
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Decrease nerve damage
- Increase collagen production
- Generate new heart, blood vessel, muscle, liver, bone, cartilage or brain cells
In the United States, the FDA has only approved stem cell-based products to treat certain blood disorders therefore stem cell therapy is only available to the few patients that have access to a clinical trial. The Stem Cells Transplant Institute provides government-approved stem cell therapy access to the benefits of stem cell therapies today. Don’t suffer another day, contact us to learn more about the benefits of stem cell therapy.
