04 Feb Uses for Amniotic Derived Stem Cell Injections
If you have ever had a baby, you probably received unsolicited mail advertising services for banking amniotic stem cells. Since 2009, when the first stem cell bank opened in Medford, MA, cryopreservation and private banking of amniotic fluid stem cells has slowly grown in popularity. For those who are not familiar with amniotic stem cells, they are stem cells derived from the mesenchyme and extracted from the amniotic fluid.
Amniotic stem cells are considered to be a medical miracle, because they can differentiate into a variety of tissue types including bone, muscle, cartilage, skin, nerves, and cardiac tissue. The potential use of these cells gives hope for organ regeneration and recovery from paralysis.
Amniotic stem cells are obtained during a scheduled c-section from consenting donors. Otherwise the fluid is simply discarded – so why not use it for medical benefit? The fluid is processed at an FDA regulated lab prior to usage in individuals that need it.
Why Use Stem Cells?
Amniotic stem cells are a better choice in technologically advanced medical procedures because they do not harm the fetus or the use of an embryo. There is no risk of procedure-related pregnancy loss since the fluid is obtained after birth and not from an amniocentesis. Studies on amniotic fluid have found it rich in epithelial, neural, endothelial, hematopoietic, and mesenchymal stem cells.
Scientists and researchers have genetically engineered liver cells, neural cells, fat cells, heart cells, bone cells, working tracheas, and artificial heart valves by using amniotic stem cells. This indicates that the use of amniotic stem cells in treating a multitude of medical conditions previously thought to be life threatening or untreatable.
Examples of Amniotic Derived Stem Cell Use
Stem cell therapy is a type of intervention therapy which introduces stem cells into damaged tissues to treat an injury or disease. In the world of pain management and orthopedics, stem cell therapy is being used for numerous conditions such as degenerative arthritis, tendonitis, ligament injury and more.
It also works well for wounds that are having difficulty healing, such as in diabetics.
Future Clinical Uses of Amniotic Stem Cells
When it comes to using amniotic stem cells, the uses continue to grow. What is really needed are larger clinical studies. Small studies have shown excellent results so far for regenerative stem cell treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.
Several clinical trials have emerged where subjects are treated with their own stem cell derived bone marrow, and others involve healthy athletes who are treated for osteoskeletal injuries to the bones, joints, or connective tissues. While these treatments have not entered mainstream medical practice, the potential is there for major breakthroughs.
A plethora of athletes have received stem cell therapy and PRP therapy for sports injuries. And the number continues to grow. R3 offers stem cell clinics nationwide with treatments for all types of musculoskeletal injury. Find one close to you today!
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