Mariluz P. Mojica-Henshaw
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila
http://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2002.5084
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapies rely on the unique ability of stem cells to self-renew and generate a variety of specialized cell types. Sources of stem cells include embryos, fetal tissues, umbilical cord blood, and adults. Stem cells derived from adult bone marrow are the most studied and frequently used. Hematopoietic stem cells from adult bone marrow are utilized in treating leukemias and lymphomas, restoring blood and immune cells destroyed by chemotherapy, and managing autoimmune diseases.
Embryonic stem cells, on the other hand, are totipotent and have the potential to develop into more than 200 types of cells necessary for all tissues and organs in the body. While significant progress has been made in developing stem cell-based therapies, further research is needed to determine their long-term effects, immunogenicity, and the safety of stem cell-derived transplants. Additionally, ethical issues surrounding the derivation and use of embryonic and fetal tissues must be addressed.