What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are unique cells with the remarkable ability to develop into different cell types in the body. They serve as a repair system, replenishing other cells as long as the person is alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Among the various stem cells in the body, two key types stand out:
 

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) Found in cord blood, these "blood-forming cells" can turn into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They help build and maintain our blood and immune systems.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Found in cord tissue, these cells have regenerative properties with the potential to develop into various types of cells, including bone, cartilage, and muscle.

12 Fascinating Facts About Stem Cells

1. Longevity of Stored Stem Cells
To date, there is no evidence that cord blood will ever expire. Recent studies published in Stem Cell Translation Medicine found that cryopreserving cord blood stem cells for extended periods doesn't affect their ability to function effectively. The 27-year study  and 29-year study add to a growing body of research demonstrating the value of cord blood banking.

2. Treatment Applications 
Cord blood stem cells have been used in stem cell transplants for over 30 years.

3. Dual Types of Stem Cells
Umbilical cords contain two different types of stem cells with distinct healing potential - hematopoietic stem cells in cord blood and mesenchymal stem cells in cord tissue.

4. Clinical Trial Progress
While cord blood has established medical uses, cord tissue stem cells are being extensively studied in clinical trials for conditions that cord blood cannot address, including autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and neurological conditions.

5. Compatibility Advantage
Full siblings have a chance of being a partial or full genetic match to stored cord blood stem cells, increasing the potential for successful treatments within families.

6. Pristine Quality
Newborn stem cells haven't been exposed to factors that can impact stem cells later in life.

7. Collection Flexibility
Umbilical Cord Stem cell collection is compatible with various birth plans, including delayed cord clamping and C-section deliveries.

8. Beyond Treatment
DNA from cord blood cells can be analyzed and provide useful genetic health insights to help support a child’s health journey. Using cord blood provides a convenient way to benefit from early detection.

9. Regenerative Potential
Stem cells found in cord tissue have been used in regenerative medicine clinical trials to potentially stimulate the body's own repair mechanisms for conditions like cerebral palsy.

10. Stem cells can adapt to different environments
Research shows that stem cells from cord tissue can respond to signals in the body, potentially aiding in tissue repair and regeneration beyond their original function.

11. Cord blood stem cells are less likely to cause rejection
Because they are immunologically immature, cord blood stem cells have a lower risk of causing graft-versus-host disease compared to adult stem cells.

12. Ongoing research continues to uncover new possibilities
Scientists are actively studying umbilical cord stem cells to better understand their capabilities and how they might be used safely and effectively in future therapies.

 

Stem Cell Myths vs. Facts


Myth: Stem cells from cord blood and cord tissue are the same.
Fact: Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells that form blood cells, while cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells that can develop into bone, cartilage, and muscle tissue.

Myth: Stem cells expire after a certain period in storage.
Fact: To date, there is no evidence that properly stored cord blood will ever expire. Studies have confirmed the viability of samples stored for nearly three decades.

Myth: Stem Cells found in cord tissue have the same established uses as cord blood.
Fact: While cord blood has a number of proven applications in medicine today, cord tissue stem cells are still being researched but hold promising potential for conditions cord blood cannot address, such as cerebral palsy.

Myth: C-sections impact being able to collect umbilical cord stem cells.
Fact:  The collection process is essentially the same with a cesarean section as it would be in a natural birth. Special collection bags can be used in sterile C-sections.
 

How Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Can Be Used in Medicine Today

Stem cells play a crucial role in modern medicine, with applications continuing to expand through ongoing research. Here's how they're being used today:

Treatments Using Cord Blood
Cord blood stem cells have been used in transplant medicine for over 30 years to aid in treatment for:
 

• Various cancers
• Blood disorders
• Immunodeficiencies
• Bone marrow failure syndrome
• Metabolic disorders
   

In these treatments, cord blood stem cells help regenerate a healthy blood and immune system after the patient's own system has been compromised by disease.

Applications in Clinical Trials

Beyond established treatments, stem cells are being studied in numerous clinical trials for regenerative medicine applications:

Cord Blood Clinical Trials: Researchers are investigating how cord blood stem cells might stimulate the body's own repair mechanisms for conditions like cerebral palsy.

Cord Tissue Research: Mesenchymal stem cells from cord tissue are being studied for potential applications in treating:
 

• Autoimmune deficiencies
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Acquired neurological conditions
  
   

Stem cells can play a vital role in the body’s repair processes, and preserving them at birth provides your family with a valuable resource. Banking cord blood and tissue today helps ensure you have options to potentially benefit from both current treatments and potential future medical developments.