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Stem cells are “precursor” cells. They have potential to transform to various types of other cells, and are able to renew themselves. Such cells are some kind of “building material”, from which all organs and tissues are formed.
At the stage of embryonic growth many cells of human body possess features of stem cells (SC), but during their growth and development the number of SC steadily decreases and by the moment of birth the source of sufficient quantity of stem cells is only umbilical blood and bone marrow.
That means that if an adult needs stem cells, he can receive them in the following way:
- During paracentesis of bone marrow, but such procedure is too painful and can be made only with anesthesia.
- By cultivating cells in the laboratory conditions, but such process is linked with a great number of not solved ethical and legal questions.
- Collecting and separating stem cells from umbilical blood, as it is safe and painless way of getting stem cells. Such chance is available for everyone only once in your lifetime during birth!
Moreover, stem cells of umbilical blood are younger and potentially more active, as they are the “youngest” ones.
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