What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the origin of life. Through separation, more stem cells are created, along with specialists. The specialists concentrate entirely on their very specific tasks: Some build up muscles and bones, others build bloodstreams and nerves, and others ensure the development of individual organs, such as heart, lung or kidneys.Even after birth, the stem cells in our body spend a lifetime repairing and regenerating. Every 3 to 7 days, for instance, the cells of our small intestine are replaced. The cells of the stomach mucosa are replaced every week. Every 120 days our red blood cells are regenerated. In the event of injuries, for instance to the skin, stem cells perform intensive labour in order for them to heal again.
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Stem cells in the blood of the umbilical cord – the emergency package for life
The creation of the entire human organism is based on stem cells. The blood circulation of a newborn baby includes millions of stem cells. Nature was obviously clever enough to thereby provide something of an emergency package in the event of small injuries during birth.
After cutting the cord, a residue of this blood that is rich in stem cells remains in the placenta and umbilical cord. While it remained unused in the past, for about 20 years it has been possible to collect and permanently preserve this residue blood. The stem cells in it can then be used during the life to treat your child.
After cutting the cord, a residue of this blood that is rich in stem cells remains in the placenta and umbilical cord. While it remained unused in the past, for about 20 years it has been possible to collect and permanently preserve this residue blood. The stem cells in it can then be used during the life to treat your child.
Umbilical cord blood stem cells have many advantages compared to bone marrow
So far, it has been necessary to fall back onto stem cells from bone marrow for medical treatments.
Umbilical cord blood stem cells offer a number of advantages compared with bone marrow: They are not burdened with infections, are simple to extract, and are available within hours when required. Thanks to the banking of the stem cells are nearly minus 200°C, metabolic processes in the stem cells are almost entirely stopped, and are therefore still as young and vital many years later as at the time of birth. This 'youngness' allows far greater healing potential with less complications than with bone marrow stem cells, which are as old as the donor.
But there is also a downside, in that the amount of stem cells from the umbilical cord blood which can be recovered is limited. With certain diseases, however: The greater the patient's weight, the more stem cells are required. Researchers are therefore working intensively on growing stem cells. An own depot of umbilical cord blood would then be sufficient to always have young stem cells at one’s disposal – regardless of how often they are needed. In the area of regenerative medicine, however, fewer stem cells are needed, which means that even small quantities can help. The aim is to activate certain self-healing processes in the body or provide tissue replacement with the aid of stem cells.
But there is also a downside, in that the amount of stem cells from the umbilical cord blood which can be recovered is limited. With certain diseases, however: The greater the patient's weight, the more stem cells are required. Researchers are therefore working intensively on growing stem cells. An own depot of umbilical cord blood would then be sufficient to always have young stem cells at one’s disposal – regardless of how often they are needed. In the area of regenerative medicine, however, fewer stem cells are needed, which means that even small quantities can help. The aim is to activate certain self-healing processes in the body or provide tissue replacement with the aid of stem cells.