why to store stem cells or cord blood?

why to store stem cells or cord blood

If you want to know why to store stem cells or cord blood, so the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born contains unique cells that can treat and even cure certain serious diseases. This blood can be collected and stored, a practice many private cord blood banking companies recommend to parents. This way, if their child or another family member develops one of these diseases in the future, the stored blood can be used for treatment.

While the questions about  why to store stem cells or cord blood have increased, The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to collect cord blood. 

Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into any type of blood cell. These cells are valuable for transplants that can cure diseases like blood disorders, immune deficiencies, metabolic diseases, and certain cancers. Ongoing research continues to uncover new life-saving applications. This precious resource is almost magical and well worth preserving. Collecting cord blood is entirely safe for the baby and does not interfere with labor or delivery.

The diseases that cord blood can treat are relatively rare, so the likelihood of any given child developing them is low. However, globally, millions of children are affected by these conditions. As a result, public blood banks are used 30 times more often than private ones. If a family has a known genetic issue that increases their risk of developing a disease treatable with cord blood, it is logical to keep it for family use.

We have only recently recognized the value of cord blood; previously, it was routinely discarded. Unfortunately, it is still frequently thrown away. 

Storing stem cells from cord tissue is an investment in the health of your children and compatible family members. These preserved cells can potentially be used to treat serious diseases. The fact that more than 30,000 stem cell transplants from umbilical cord blood are performed worldwide to treat various diseases underscores the importance and scientific validity of preservation.

Now before asking why to store stem cells or cord blood, you should know more about stem cells and their types.

Embryonic and adult stem cells

There are two primary types of stem cells: embryonic and adult. The cells that can be preserved from cord tissue are adult stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells are present in the embryo from conception until the fourth day of gestation. These cells are totipotent, meaning they have the ability to develop into all types of specialized cells within the organism.

In contrast, adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells that replicate to replace damaged cells and regenerate tissues. Unlike embryonic stem cells, their therapeutic use is not controversial because it does not involve embryo destruction. These cells can be obtained from tissue samples taken from adults or children, such as umbilical cord stem cells.

Add more to your knowledge why to store stem cells or cord blood

The Bioscience Institute preserves mesenchymal adult stem cells isolated from Wharton’s jelly, a substance found in cord tissue, upon request from its customers.

The preservation of hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood is also possible; these cells exhibit significant plasticity.

Hematopoietic stem cells can give rise to most types of cells found in the body, making them potentially useful in therapies for diseases affecting multiple organs and tissues.

What is the function of stem cells?

Stem cells begin as undifferentiated cells and can transform into various cell types, including blood, bone, tissue, and organ cells, in response to specific chemical and genetic cues.

Transplanting stem cells from umbilical cord blood can replace diseased cells with healthy new cells.

Read more about stem cells. Click here.

Why should I preserve my baby’s umbilical cord stem cells?

You or someone dear to you may face a disease or illness that could benefit from stem cell treatment. Storing both umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells is ideal, as each type contains distinct stem cells that can be used for treating various conditions.

Preserving your baby’s stem cells at birth presents a unique opportunity to secure a valuable resource that may be vital for treating serious illnesses or diseases in the future. These stem cells could also potentially match and treat their siblings or parents. Storing these cells at birth ensures they are preserved in their healthiest and most potent state.

In the past, the primary source of stem cells was bone marrow. However, extensive research has shown that umbilical cord blood and tissue are now recognized as rich sources of particularly potent stem cells, including hematopoietic stem cells.

The first successful transplant using umbilical cord blood stem cells occurred in 1988. The patient was a boy with Fanconi’s Anemia, a serious blood disorder, and the cord blood used was from his newborn sister. Since then, numerous successful transplants for various conditions have been performed using umbilical cord blood stem cells.

The potential of stem cells to regenerate damaged cells and tissues is highly promising. Stem cell transplants are already established as standard treatment for over 80 diseases, with ongoing clinical trials exploring their efficacy for many others, including viruses like COVID-19. Research on the use of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue shows particularly encouraging results.

Why to store stem cells or cord blood? Preserving these invaluable resources ensures potential treatments for future diseases, including and supports medical advancements globally.

Conclusion

Storing stem cells offers invaluable future health benefits for both your child and potentially other family members. These powerful cells have the unique ability to transform into various types of cells, providing a critical resource for treating a wide range of diseases and conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune system deficiencies. By preserving stem cells at birth, you ensure a safeguard for your family’s health, giving you peace of mind and a proactive approach to future medical challenges. Investing in stem cell storage is a forward-thinking decision that underscores your commitment to long-term health and well-being.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-parents-should-save-their-babys-cord-blood-and-give-it-away-201710312518

https://www.smartcells.com/stem-cells/why-store-stem-cells/

https://bioinst.com/en/why-store-the-stem-cells-of-the-cord-tissue/#:~:text=Storing%20stem%20cells%20from%20cord,the%20treatment%20of%20serious%20diseases.