If you’re unfamiliar with stem cell therapy, then understanding the complex terminology and the different types of stem cells can be difficult. However, knowing the differences between stem cells is crucial if you want to find a safe, effective, and ethical treatment option.
In this article, we’ll explain what the placenta and placental stem cells are, the applications of placental stem cell therapy and what the injection procedure for this therapy includes.
What is the Placenta?
The placenta is a temporary organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. Its role is to allow for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen and carbon dioxide between the mother and fetus.
The placenta plays a crucial role in the development and survival of a human fetus.
After the baby is born, the placenta no longer serves a purpose and is expelled from the body.
What are Placental Stem Cells?
Placental stem cells are stem cells obtained from a human placenta after birth. Placenta stem cells are effective in stem cell therapy because the placenta contains an abundance of hormones, cytokines and growth factors.
There are a variety of stem types that can be obtained from the placenta, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Stem cell therapy clinics like Swiss Medica use placenta MSCs because they are safe, effective and free from ethical considerations associated with embryonic stem cells.
Clinical Applications of Placental Stem Cells
Placenta stem cell treatment has a wide range of applications due to the self-renewal and differentiating properties of placenta stem cells. The treatment is a good fit for any disease characterized by tissue damage, such as:
- heart disease
- digestive problems
- endocrinological disorders
- stroke
The immunomodulating effects of placental stem cells make them an excellent fit for treating autoimmune diseases. In a clinical trial, MS patients treated with placental MSC cells showed a stabilization or decrease in their disability. Placental stem cells can slow or stop the progression of autoimmune diseases.
Placental stem cell treatment is also effective at treating neurological conditions like autism, ALS and Alzheimer’s disease due to the ability of placenta MSCs to reduce neuroinflammation and replace damaged neurons.
Placental Stem Cell Injection
Before receiving a placental stem cell injection, patients must undergo screening by doctors to determine their suitability for this treatment, the number of cells needed and the most suitable treatment plan. Treatment centers also look for any contraindications that would make the treatment unsafe.
Unlike traditional treatment methods like surgery, placental stem cell therapy is non-invasive and the only pain involved is that of a traditional injection. Placental stem cells are extracted from the placenta of a newborn, so there is no need to extract stem cells from the recipient of the treatment.
After a patient receives a placental stem cell injection, the stem cells travel to the site of damaged tissues and activate the body’s natural renewal and regeneration processes.
Unlike medication or embryonic stem cell treatment, placental stem cell treatment has very few side effects. Following a placental stem cell injection, the patient can usually resume their day uninterrupted. Some patients will experience a fever following infection, but this passes on its own.
Are Placental Stem Cells Pluripotent?
Placental stem cells are not pluripotent, but rather multipotent. The terms pluripotent and multipotent are similar, but there are some key differences.
Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the body, while multipotent cells can differentiate into multiple cell types (but not all).
The placenta has been shown to contain a broad range of multipotent stem cells. Once injected into the body, placental stem cells can develop into cells of different tissues, such as nerve, bone, fat, cartilage or muscle tissue.
While these multipotent cells may not be able to differentiate into every type of cell, they can develop into many different cells and treat a variety of conditions.
In conclusion
Placental stem cell therapy is safe and effective and is free from bioethical issues associated with embryonic stem cell therapy. A placental stem cell injection
is no more painful than a traditional injection, and patients usually return to their day without any side effects.
Placental stem cells are multipotent and can differentiate into the cells of fat, muscle, bone, nerve, and cartilage tissues. This makes them effective at treating a wide range of conditions, such as immune disorders like MS, neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, digestive issues and endocrinological disorders.
