Diseases Treated Through Stem Cell Therapy

The most common sources of stem cells are the bone marrow. Stem cells derived from umbilical cords are also used. They are used today for treating a range of neurological disorders and for treating other diseases, including heart diseases, diabetes, muscular diseases and other health conditions as well.

Here are some of the diseases for which stem cell therapy is used.

Neurological Disorders

Stem cells are used for treating a range of neurological diseases and disorders, including Parkinson’s diseases, Alzheimers Disease, and Autism. They are grown and processed in-vitro and are transplanted into the body of patients who have neurological disorders or diseases. Once transplanted, stem cells migrate to the affected parts of the brain and initiate the processes for repair and damage control. Stem cells also replenish the pool of progenitor cells and improve the life of the sufferers by improving their mental health.

Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury

Stem cells provide for the improvement of brain and motor functions in the patients suffering from brain and spinal cord injury (SCI). They form the oligodendrocytes (cells forming the axonal myelin sheath) and the neural cells after differentiation and provide for faster recovery. Stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury is actively pursued today for improving the quality of life of the people suffering from SCI, worldwide.

Heart

Stem cells are also used for treating myocardial infarction. The cells derived from bone marrow provide recovery through the generation of new heart muscle cells, through the blood vessel growth stimulation, by secreting certain growth factors that provide for a healthier inner cellular environment, and also provide assistance through other mechanisms.

The Formation of Blood Vessels

The immune system defends the body against antigens and infection causing agents. But, the immune system is prone to degradation. Stem cell therapy can improve the impaired immune system. Red blood cells can be grown in vitro, provided with the growth factor erythropoietin, and transplanted inside the body of the sufferer.

Missing Teeth

Stem cells can also be used for cultivating teeth in a lab. This bio-engineering technology and stem cell treatment can be used for growing teeth in humans.

Hair

Stem cells can be used for growing hair. The treatment is quite benefiting for millions of people suffering from Alopecia, worldwide.

Infertility

Stem cells obtained from the donated embryos can differentiate to form spermatozoa and oocytes. Hence, stem cells possess potential for treating infertility.

HIV and AIDS

Stem cells are being studied for their potential to form an HIV-resistant immune system. The gene-modified and HIV resistant progenitor and hematopoietic stem cells can be transplanted into the human body to fight AIDS.

Muscular Dystrophy

Stem cells can be used for treating muscular diseases. Caused due to heredity and mutation, Muscular Dystrophy is being actively treated through the use of stem cells. They provide for enhanced oxygen flow, greater vascularization and can also restore the lost muscle-shock-absorbing property (by providing Dystrophin protein forming cells) when transplanted into the body of MD patients.

Stem cells are termed as the future of molecular and regenerative medicine. Contrary to the belief, stem cell treatment is quite simple and lesser time consuming. Within a week, patients start to show marked clinical improvements. Modern health care institutions in India like NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute (NGBSI) have state-of-the-art stem cell lab and modern facilities, along with service offered by expert Health Care Practitioners (including neurosurgeons) for treating a range of complicated disorders and diseases that were not treated before.

The author is an expert in the field of stem cell research & therapy. The writer has a flair for writing and she keeps on writing various articles and blogs related to industry.