Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) where do they come from and is it important
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs):
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), and adipocytes (fat cells). They are found in many tissues in the body, including bone marrow, fat tissue, and the umbilical cord. MSCs can self-renew and regenerate, making them attractive for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In addition to their potential for use in treating a variety of diseases, MSCs are also being studied for their immunomodulatory properties, which may make them useful in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and inflammatory conditions.
Where are mesenchymal stem cells sourced?
For many years, researchers believed that mesenchymal stem cells could only be found in the bone marrow. However, research has discovered that MSCs can be obtained from various sources, including umbilical cord tissue, body fat, molar teeth, and amniotic fluid.
The cells derived from cord tissue, specifically Wharton’s Jelly, are the most primitive and young MSCs. This source is non-harmful and readily available, as most umbilical cords are discarded after childbirth.
Because these cells are so young, they have the potential to transform into any cell that the body requires. Youthful cells also replicate more quickly, and MSCs can not only differentiate into other cell types but also multiply to increase their healing effect on the body.
Researchers have also discovered that the potency of a stem cell is related to its age, making cord tissue MSCs some of the most capable cells available.
On the other hand, treatments that use MSCs from a patient’s fat (adipose) sample have shown weak or unreliable results. A stem cell is only as good as its source, and if the cells come from an elderly person, no amount of expansion will increase their potency.
Stem cell numbers and effectiveness begin to decline exponentially as we age. For example, stem cells from a person in their twenties are less high quality than brand-new cells derived from cord tissue. Although MSCs can be obtained from any source, patients risk receiving little to no benefit from using lower-quality stem cells.
Where are mesenchymal stem cells sourced
Importance of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
Mesenchymal stem cells have attracted much attention in regenerative medicine because of their potential to repair damaged tissues and promote tissue regeneration.
MSCs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. They can be used to treat various diseases and conditions, including autoimmune diseases, heart attacks, stroke, and injuries to the musculoskeletal system. They have also been used in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
One of the main advantages of MSCs is that they can be easily harvested from various sources, including bone marrow, fat tissue, and placental tissue. They can be expanded in culture to produce large numbers of cells. This makes them a readily available source of cells for use in research and clinical applications.
Overall, the potential uses of MSCs in regenerative medicine are vast, and the research in this area is very active.
Read also: What can mesenchymal stem cells be used for?
