Stem cell treatment is the utilization of genetically engineered stem cells to cure or treat an disease or disorder. At present, the only treatment that utilizes genetically engineered stem cells is embryonic stem cell transplantation. This typically is done as an umbilical cord blood transfer however, the stem cells can also be derived from umbilical cord plasma. There are many issues with stem cell treatments. It is recommended to consult with a professional genealogist prior to considering any kind of stem-cell therapy. Although there has been some concerns regarding embryonic stem cell transplants’ ethics however, research has shown that they are extremely secure and many children have had success with stem cell treatments for their genetic diseases.
Scientists have discovered that some patients can be treated with stem cells and chemotherapy simultaneously. The patient’s capability and willingness to take on the strain of continuous treatment is crucial to the success of this transplant. Researchers have succeeded in treating certain patients with only one transplant. Then, they gave the patient a single dose chemotherapy. Scientists have discovered that chemotherapy drugs can be affected by the tolerance of a person to stress. For this reason, researchers are currently evaluating more cancer-fighting medications for combination use.
Scientists are not finished stem cell transplants as of yet. They are also researching different ways to utilize genetically engineered blood to treat chronic diseases like leukemia and multiple sclerosis. Stem cells are basically living tissue that has been “re-engineered to repair and replace damaged areas of the body. Utilizing the donor’s skin or bone marrow as a source can provide a stronger supply of stem cell to the part of the body that needs it.
In addition to using stem cell transplants, researchers are testing other treatments using specialized, specially bred cells. One group is investigating the effects of radiation doses that are high on pregnant mice. The mice were not exposed to radiation at all, but were put under very high levels of radiation. The mice survived, but only for a short amount of time. The mice may require several months of treatment in order to heal due to the fact that these cells are not well absorbed by the body.
Scientists are also investigating the efficacy of boosting the immune system with stem cell treatments. Interferon is among the most popular immune system boosters. Interferon is used to treat various forms of cancer, including cancers of the lymphatic system and blood. Researchers believe that stem cell therapies may have side effects that can be reduced by boosting the immune system.
Scientists are also studying the effects of diet on the process of aging. They are looking at diets that have ingredients that promote the creation of healthy cells. These include antioxidants, which are substances that help in the production of healthy cells. These substances repair the damage to tissues when they are made by the body. Researchers are currently studying lecithin and phytosterols as well as lipoic acid.
Of course, scientists have not completely come to understand the precise effects of stem cell transplants. Researchers know that transplants are carried out at a lower frequency than what is needed to treat severe heart diseases. Scientists can get an idea of the overall benefit to the patient, in the event that they can create an effective combination of exercise, diet and transplants that could lead to a younger looking, healthier heart. Stem cell transplants are a very strong treatment option as it gives patients an opportunity to live afresh.
Other researchers are also studying methods that are less dramatic, but similar to therapeutic Cloning. In this case, there is no direct human interaction between the donor and recipient. Cloning is carried out by using DNA from other people and the nucleus of these cells are inserted into the host’s egg. If it is successful, this method could allow researchers to produce the cells needed to provide an alternative source of fuel for the immune system.
know more about Stem Cells here.