Stem Cell Treatment: Features and Efficacy

Over 20 years ago, the level of development of medicine reached unprecedented heights. Leading doctors of the world began to apply in practice stem cell therapy. To date, with the help of cellular technology, tens of thousands of lives have been saved and the condition of patients suffering from incurable diseases has been significantly alleviated.

Stem cells are what?

This cell element is the "building material" of the whole organism. It is with the division of one stem cell (zygote) that the formation and development of the human body begins.

The successful outcome of stem cell therapy is due to their peculiarity of self-renewal and development. After division, two types of cells are formed: those that have retained their properties (not changed) and transform into cells of tissues and organs. This means that some cells always remain stem cells, others give life to the new, forming the body.

Stem cells are carriers of genetic information and are responsible for the process of regeneration in the body. To date, studies have been conducted, the results of which suggest that in the near future stem cell treatment can rid people of serious diseases that are not amenable to drugs and surgical intervention.

Where are in the body

In the human body, there are more than 50 billion constantly renewed stem cells.

The main sources of the main "building material" are:

• Blood from the umbilical cord. Contains the largest number of stem cells. Biomaterial retains its properties for 20 years, at this time it is placed in a special storage. To use this service, parents must sign an agreement with the Bank of stem cells before the birth of the child. In addition, umbilical cord blood cells have better biological compatibility, i.e., are suitable for transplantation to the next of kin.

• Red bone marrow is the site of stem cell localization in an adult. Puncture takes the biomaterial from which new stem cells are artificially grown and transplanted to humans.
• Brain. Possessing a high degree of transformation, brain stem cells are not used in clinical practice. This is due to the fact that for their extraction it is necessary to completely destroy the brain.
• Myocardium. The treatment with stem cells obtained from it has not yet been practiced.
• Leather. The source of stem cells is both in the embryo and in the adult. Cells isolated from the skin are successfully used to treat any degree of burns.
• Bones stroma. Cells have a high ability to repair damaged tissues and organs shortly after transplantation. Their main advantage is the low probability of complications after transplantation.
• Abortion material. Stem cells are secreted from the embryo with an artificial termination of pregnancy. In many countries, this procedure is prohibited.
• The embryo of the first week of intrauterine development. Obtaining stem cells from the embryo in Russia is officially prohibited, it is regarded as an encroachment on the life of a child who has not yet been born.

The highest degree of activity is possessed by embryonic cells, their transplantation is also carried out by the next of kin. Cells taken from an adult human transplant only to him and have a lower activity in comparison with embryonic cells.

How they work

At the slightest damage, stem cells are delivered by blood to the site of injury and trigger the regeneration process.

Each year their number decreases, and the body grows old. The fetus in the womb of 10 thousand transformed cells has 1 stem, and about 60-70 years - 8 million cells.

To get rid of the overwhelming number of ailments, a biomaterial is taken from a person, from which stem cells are extracted. They multiply in the laboratory and are transplanted back into the human body.

Advances in cellular medicine are so amazing that they allow you to direct active cells to the desired organ, speeding up the recovery process.

With what illnesses cope

Stem cells are recognized as effective in treating:

• Injuries of the brain and spinal cord;
• Burns of different severity;
• Cardiovascular disorders;
• The vast majority of blood diseases;
• Immunodeficiency;
• Consequences of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer.

Currently, clinical studies are being conducted to identify a scheme for stem cell therapy for neuropsychic disorders, liver and lung diseases, and lower limb ischemia.

In addition, this method is well established in cosmetology. Dermatological problems are successfully treated with stem cells, customer feedback after the course of procedures is full of delight: skin scars disappear, acne, pigmentation spots; The skin looks healthy, smooth and well-groomed.

Age changes are also amenable to therapy - the skin becomes elastic, wrinkles are smoothed.

Countries using stem cells

Research in the field of cellular technology requires significant funding from the government. Taking into account the urgency of the tests, the heads of many states willingly allocate funds for the development of this field.

To date, the leading countries in the world successfully using stem cells in the treatment of many diseases are:

• USA.
• Israel.
• Switzerland.
• South Korea.
• China.
• Japan.
• Russia.

More than 200 cord blood banks have been officially registered worldwide.

Treatment with stem cells in Russia

Most people prefer to undergo stem cell treatment in Moscow.

One of the most insidious diseases of our time, difficult to give in to standard therapy, is multiple sclerosis; Stem cell therapy in Moscow of this ailment has been carried out since 2003 in the Russian Stem Cell Clinic. By the number of patients, the clinic is an undoubted leader.

Theme of treatment for multiple sclerosis is as relevant as ever - none of the existing medicines can stop the development of the disease. At best, with the help of medication, temporary improvement can be achieved. Repeatedly held conferences in Moscow - the treatment of multiple sclerosis stem cells was recognized as the best method to combat the disease.

In addition to the main Moscow clinic, in Russia, the largest centers successfully use stem cells:

• "The newest medicine", Moscow.
• Clinic of Hematology and Cellular Therapy. A. A. Maksimova, Moscow.
• "Pokrovsky", St. Petersburg.

Cost

The price of stem cell treatment depends on the country, the clinic, and also on the problem that worries the patient. In Russia, the cost varies between 300-600 thousand rubles, it is due to the complexity of work, but the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome is significantly higher than with standard therapy.

It is important to understand that stem cells are not a panacea for all diseases. At the moment with their help it is possible to achieve a better result than with conventional treatment. Perhaps in the near future research in this area will allow to develop a technique for treating stem cells of incurable for today diseases.