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Stem cell therapy is an innovative medical technology that is opening new horizons in the treatment of incurable diseases. This treatment uses stem cells, which have the potential to differentiate into all cells in our body, to regenerate damaged tissues and restore function.
Stem cells are like pluripotent cells in an undifferentiated state. Upon receiving specific signals, they can differentiate into various types of cells to replace and regenerate damaged tissues.
Pluripotency: Ability to differentiate into all types of cells.
Self-Renewal: Ability to replicate and proliferate infinitely.
Embryonic Stem Cells: Obtained from fertilized eggs, these stem cells have the strongest pluripotency, capable of differentiating into all types of cells.
Adult Stem Cells: Found in specific tissues of the body such as bone marrow, fat, and umbilical cord, these stem cells have limited differentiation ability.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Created by introducing specific genes into adult cells, these stem cells have pluripotency similar to embryonic stem cells.
Stem cell therapy works through two main mechanisms:
Autologous Regeneration: Stem cells migrate to damaged tissues, differentiate into the cells of that tissue, and directly replace the damaged area.
Microenvironment Regulation: Stem cells secrete various bioactive substances such as growth factors and cytokines to improve the microenvironment around the damaged tissue and promote the regeneration of damaged cells.
Neurological Diseases: Stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, etc.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Myocardial infarction, vascular occlusion, etc.
Joint Diseases: Degenerative arthritis, cartilage damage, etc.
Skin Diseases: Burns, diabetic ulcers, etc.
Cancer Treatment: Activating immune cells to attack cancer cells or regenerating damaged tissues.
Regeneration of Damaged Tissues: Can restore damaged tissues to their original function.
Fewer Side Effects: Using autologous stem cells means there is minimal risk of immune rejection.
Applicability to Various Diseases: Can be used to treat a variety of incurable diseases.
High Cost: Stem cell therapy is still an expensive treatment.
Controversy Over Effectiveness: Does not guarantee the same effect for all patients.
Ethical Issues: Ethical issues related to embryonic stem cell research exist.
Ensuring Safety: More research is needed on long-term safety.
Stem cell therapy has opened new possibilities for treating incurable diseases, but there are still many challenges to address. Continuous research and development are expected to lead to safer and more effective stem cell therapies.
