AN OVERVIEW
ON STEM CELLS

Explore the science, applications, and benefits of stem cells for advanced healthcare solutions.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are at the foundation of regenerative medicine, offering a natural way to repair, regenerate, and restore damaged tissues. With their unique properties of self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into specialized cells, stem cells hold invaluable potential in modern medicine. For medical professionals, understanding the basics of stem cells, the types, mechanisms, and clinical applications, along with the current state of research, is essential for navigating this rapidly evolving field.

Stem cells are programmed to secrete growth factors, signaling molecules and cell communication signals that are involved in regeneration and repair of specific tissues. For example, cardiac progenitor cells get attracted towards the heart by following distress signals secreted by the damaged areas of the tissue and repair that organ.

Self-Renewel

Stem cells can divide and produce identical copies over extended periods.

Differentiation

They can develop into specific cell types, such as muscle, bone, or nerve cells, depending on the body's needs. This ability to repair and regenerate tissues makes them invaluable for therapeutic applications.

Stem cells exist in all multicellular organisms and play a critical role in development, growth, and tissue repair. Their applications range from fundamental research to clinical therapies, targeting injuries, degenerative diseases, and even certain forms of cancer.

Types of Stem Cells

Perinatal Stem Cells (MSCs)

Source: Derived from perinatal tissues like Umbilical Cord Tissue, placenta, and amniotic fluid, collected immediately after birth.

Potency: Multipotent, able to differentiate into various cells such as bone, cartilage, and fat.

Applications and Ethical Advantage:

They are effective for immune modulation and tissue regeneration and widely researched for therapeutic uses.
Perinatal MSCs are ethically favorable as they are obtained from tissues typically discarded after childbirth.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Source: Created by reprogramming adult cells, such as skin cells, into a pluripotent state.

Potency: Pluripotent, with the ability to differentiate into nearly any cell type.

Advantages and Limitations:

iPSCs offer an ethical alternative to ESCs, as they do not require embryos.
However, they face challenges related to stability and potential mutations, which must be addressed before widespread clinical use.

Adult Stem Cells (ASCs)

Source: Found in tissues like bone marrow, blood, fat, and muscle, often referred to by their tissue origin (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells for blood).

Potency: Multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited number of cell types within a specific tissue family.

Applications:

Blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow transplants)
Orthopedic injuries
Some autoimmune conditions
Fewer ethical concerns and are widely accepted in both research and clinical settings

Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)

Source: Derived from embryos, typically created through in vitro fertilization and not intended for implantation.

Potency: Pluripotent, meaning they can become almost any cell type in the body.

Ethical and Regulatory Concerns:

Derivated from human embryos, raising ethical and moral questions.
Their usage is highly regulated, making them less commonly applied in clinical settings.

How We Source And Screen Our Stem Cells

Young, Healthy Donors

All tissue comes from carefully screened donors aged 18-28 who have given informed consent.

Rigorous Screening Process

3-generation family history checks, comprehensive maternal blood work, and normal female karyotyping.

Pathogen-Free Verification

Thorough testing for blood-borne pathogens, heritable and non-heritable conditions.

Pre-Pandemic Birth Origin

All umbilical cord tissue sourced from pre-COVID births for additional safety assurance.

Controlled Collection

Exclusively from healthy C-section births to ensure optimal tissue quality.

Superior Processing

DMSO-free and bovine serum-free culture media with NO animal-derived products.

Added Safety

Tissue exclusively from unvaccinated mothers under cGMP certified conditions.

Exceptional Quality

Up to 98% post-thaw viability with our premium cells reaching 95-98% viability

Allogenic vs. Autologous Stem Cells

Stem cells used in medical treatments can be either autologous (from the same individual) or allogeneic (from a donor). Each has distinct benefits, and choosing between them depends on clinical applications, patient needs, and therapeutic goals.

Allogenic

Source

Collected from a donor, often from umbilical cord tissue, bone marrow, or other sources.

Immune Compatibility

Chosen for their "immune privilege," meaning they are less likely to be rejected by the immune system.

Advantages

Higher regenerative potential, especially with younger or perinatal cells.
Immediate availability, with banked cells ready for use.
Standardized dosing and quality in cell banks.

Limitations

Risk of immune reaction, though rare with MSCs.
Disease screening is necessary to minimize transmission risks.

Autologous