What are bone marrow stem cells?
For more than about 40 years our medicine system is using stem cells to treat various diseases. These cells are very different from that of our normal cells; these are identical cells which are not differentiated, whereas our normal cells are individualized cells which offer structure and functioning of the body.
Stem cells are identical cells which have the ability to undergo division at an infinite period to produce specialized cells. Some tissues like adipose tissues, blood, blood vessels, brain, bone marrow, skin, skeletal muscle and liver consists of stem cells whereas normal cells are present throughout the body.
Different types of stem cells:
Stem cells are usually divided into two different types:
1. Embryonic stem cells and
2. Adult stem cells/ Tissue specific stem cell/ somatic stem cell
1. Embryonic stem cells:
Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent stem cells which are extracted from inner cell mass of a blastocyte. These embryonic stem cells are immortal and have the ability to develop at all the time. They have the tendency of renewing themselves.
2. Adult stem cells:
Adult stem cells are identical cells, which have the tendency of self renewal through cell-division to produce specialized cells. Adult stem cells help in maintaining and repairing of the tissues. These stem cells are also known as somatic stem cells.
Conditions that can be treated with stem cells:
Different diseases and also organ transplantation can be done using stem cells.
ü Leukemia
ü Lymphoma
ü Diabetes
ü Injury to the spinal cord
ü Muscular dystrophy
ü Diseases related to heart
ü Hearing impairment
Bone marrow stem cells:
Bone marrow is a smooth, sponge like tissue, which consists of blood forming as well as fat forming stem cells.
Types of bone marrow stem cells:
Bone marrow produces two types of stem cell. They are
2. Mesenchymal stem cells
1. Hematopoietic stem cells:
Hematopoietic stem cells generally form red blood cells (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and blood platelets, which are the major blood components. The process of production of blood cells is known as hematopoiesis. Some cells like peripheral blood stem cells are found in blood stream. These cells are also found in the blood of the umbilical cord.
In the bone marrow, this hematopoietic stem cells give rise to myeloid cells and lymphoid cells.
2. Mesenchymal stem cells:
Mesenchymal stem cells are present in yellow bone marrow and help in the production of fats, cartilages, and bones. These are also known as marrow stromal cells.
However, cord blood, peripheral blood, fallopian tube, and the lung and liver of the fetal are also some other regions from where the mesenchymal cells can be extracted
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation:
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is performed in conditions where the blood gets affected such as in leukemia, lymphoma and aplastic anemia etc.
Conditions that can be treated with hematopoietic stem cells transplantation:
Hematopoietic stem cells have been efficient in treating many fatal conditions:
· Acute myeloid leukemia
· Acute lymphoblastic lymphoma
· Myeloproliferative disorders
· Aplastic anemia
· Sickle cell anemia
· Thalassemia
· Multiple myeloma
· Non Hodgkin lymphoma
· Hodgkin disease
· Acute myeloid leukemia
· Neuroblastoma
· Amyloidosis
· Germ cell tumor
· Autoimmune disorders
Conditions in which mesenchymal stem cell can be used as therapy:
Osteoarthritis
Parkinson’s disease
Huntington’s disese
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Stroke and many other heart disease
Multiple sclerosis
Systemic lupus erythematosus cancer
Chron’s disease
Plays a major role in renal transplantation.
Types of Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation:
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is of two types. They are:
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Measures to be taken after a successful transplantation:
The end of the transplantation begins a new life which requires new goals and new changes important for a healthy survival. Some general things should be added in your daily life which includes the following:
Have a healthy diet.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Exercise regularly.
Have a regular follow up visit with your doctor.
Check your blood counts.
Never skip your medications.
Consult your doctor in case of severe infection and excessive bleeding.
