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Stem cells are multifaceted and versatile cells which can perform regenerative functions in plenty inside the human body. These can generate or even replace a variety of cells which takes place through differentiation. They can well regulate the immune system along with stimulating other cells carefully in their organic environment.

Stem cells are present inside all from the embryo/fetus development which is called the embryonic stem cells and throughout any individual for his whole lifespan till death this is known as Adult Stem Cells. The 5 general type of stem cells present in the human body are:

    • Totipotent: The stem cells are also known as fertilized egg, this type of stem cell develops and becomes all the other cells, which helps creating a human being.
    • Pluripotent: These stem cells can be well-differentiated into any other cell kind, however, the stem cells definitely lack the capacity to create and bring to life an entire organism, this is what makes it different than a totipotent cell.
    • Multipotent: These are a bit more limited than the pluripotent cells defined above. These are assigned to cell types of a certain range.
    • Oligopotent: These are similar to that of multipotent stem cells and are the ones which are also able to well differentiate into cell types of specific range.
    • Unipotent: As the name suggests they can work only well with one cell type and not multiple.

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) and adult stem cells (ASC) are the two categories of stem cells which have different and varied properties. As soon as a baby is born the process of cell replacement and regeneration occurs, this happens in two contexts: renewal or revival of the naturally dying cells which is known as apoptosis and the second occurs in response to an external injury which may be caused by a series of factors inclusive of traumatic injury, cancer, infarction, toxins, inflammation, etc. The adult stem cells known as the somatic stem cells are the ones which are involved in the regeneration process.

Adult Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells

Blastocyst is the place where embryonic stem cells are present. It is present in the inner mass of the hollow ball of cells. This hollow mass is created in human body, three to five days post fertility of the egg cell by a sperm. Generally, the cells which are present inside the inner cell mass is the point of creation of specialized cells which are present in the entire body and all the tissues and organs. Embryonic stem cells give rise to every cell type in an adult body which makes them ideal participant to be called pluripotent. The embryonic stem cell excludes placenta and umbilical cord.

The Adult Stem Cells which are also called the somatic stem cells are a specialized version of the embryonic stem cells. These are great at regeneration, and can carefully give rise to various different cell types for the specific and more focused group of tissue and organ in which they dwell. There are different types of adult stem cells which are present and hold a specific function of regeneration. For instance, blood-forming stem cells can be the reason for rise of the red blood cells, white blood cells and also platelets. However, these don’t form the liver or lung cells, and stem cells. Some tissues and organs reside within the body and contain small quantities of tissue-specific stem cells, the job of these stem cells is to replace the cells from that of the tissue are lost during the normal living or in case of injury of any kind.

Critical Issues with Embryonic Stem Cells 

  1. Ethical Concerns: Embryonic stem cells are obtained from human embryos during their initial phases. Some are of the view that this is ethically incorrect as it involves killing a possible human being. This raises highly intense moral and religious debates.
  1. Risk of Tumor Formation: These cells can grow very quickly and differentiate into many tissues. If they are not properly controlled, they may form tumors called teratomas after being injected into the body.
  1. Instability of Genes: Embryonic stem cells can, at times, develop genetic defects while in cell culture. These changes can cause them to act in some unforeseen or harmful way, which would make them inappropriate for medical use.

Major Benefits Of Adult Stem Cells

  1. Safe and Proven

Adult stem cells have been used in the medical field for decades and are safe. They have been used by doctors in bone marrow transplants and other surgeries without any real issues. This makes adult stem cells a tried and tested option in medicine.

  1. Helps Regulate the Immune System

These stem cells have the ability to soothe the immune system when it responds excessively. This proves useful if the body is undergoing treatment of diseases where the body is self-inflicting injuries, such as autoimmune diseases. Adult stem cells are responsible for alleviating swelling and accelerating the healing process.

  1. No Ethical Issues

Adult stem cells are derived from the body of the patient itself or from donors without causing them any harm. This contrasts with embryonic stem cells, which are derived from embryos in the earlier development stages. The use of adult stem cells has been preferred by the majority since it is not linked with moral or ethical concerns.

  1. Less Body Rejection Chance

If the person is given their own stem cells, there is little chance that they will be rejected by the body. Even when cells are taken from a donor, adult stem cells are not as much of an issue as other cells. So, treatments can be safer and more effective.

Donor or Autologous Stem Cells: Which Is Right?

When someone needs a stem cell transplant, there are two options: donor stem cells (Allogeneic) or autologous stem cells. Donor stem cells are from another person, most often an exact match like a sibling. These are often used to treat diseases like leukemia. The plus is that they may be able to battle the disease better, but there can be rejection or side effects.

Autologous stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own body. They are commonly transplanted for such cancers as lymphoma. Since they are one’s own cells, there is less likelihood of rejection. But they may not fight the disease that much. The choice of either relies on the individual’s condition, medical condition, and the doctor’s advice. Both have strengths and weaknesses.

 

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Advantages Autologous stem cell transplant employs your own stem cells to assist your body in producing healthy blood cells following high-dose chemotherapy. It reduces the risk of rejection, minimizes side effects, and allows for faster recovery. It is used mainly to treat some cancers, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Allogeneic stem cell transplant uses healthy stem cells from a donor. It treats cancers like leukemia. It has the ability to replace unhealthy bone marrow and strengthen the immune system. The new cells also have the ability to fight remaining cancer cells. It is a chance at long-term cure and improved survival.
Disadvantages Autologous stem cell transplant has some drawbacks. It does not completely eradicate cancer, as the patient’s own cells are utilized. There is a possibility that cancer cells could recur. The procedure is costly and fatiguing. It can also lead to side effects such as infection, tiredness, and low blood counts during recovery.

 

 Allogeneic stem cell transplant carries a few risks. The new cells can be rejected by the body and cause major issues. There are chances of infections and side effects due to powerful drugs. It might take a lot of time to get well. It’s difficult to find a donor and it can push donors back in treatment.

 
When Do We Use We apply autologous stem cell transplant when an individual suffers from conditions such as some cancers (such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma). The stem cells of the patient are harvested prior to intensive treatment such as chemotherapy. Upon treatment, the stem cells are infused to enable the body to produce healthy blood cells and heal quickly.

 

 We prescribe allogeneic stem cell transplants in case a human’s bone marrow is not functioning well because of conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or severe anemia. The abnormal ones are replaced by healthy donor stem cells. This assists the body in forming new blood cells and resisting infection better.

Choosing the Right Stem Cells: Are Live or Thawed More Effective?

When selecting stem cells to be used in treatment, you might hear about “live” (new) and “thawed” (frozen and thawed) stem cells. Live stem cells are newly obtained and immediately used. They are healthy and ready to function, and this might aid in better healing. Thawed stem cells are frozen for future use. Freezing occasionally harms some of the cells, leaving them less functional. But all thawed cells are bad, many still function as well.

The live stem cells would work better, according to some studies, because they are healthier and more potent. Thawed cells, however, are easier to store, more convenient, and also viable for many treatments. The best option depends on the type of treatment, how fast you need it, and what is suggested by your doctor.