TITLE:
Stem cells and cell therapy: From basic sciences to clinical perspectives
AUTHORS:
Luciana Machado, Arnaldo Rodrigues Santos Jr.
KEYWORDS:
Stem Cells; Cell Differentiation; Cell Transplantation; Cell Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.6 No.6,
June
27,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Stem cells
are seen as a possible solution for organ and tissue regeneration and for the
treatment or even cure of various diseases. There are basically two types of
stem cells: embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived
from embryos and exhibit an extensive multiplication and differentiation
potential. On the other hand, adult stem cells, which are found in bone marrow
and other tissues, have a lower multiplication and differentiation capacity but
are more easily isolated and applied. In adult stem cell therapies using bone
marrow or umbilical cord blood transplantation, the differentiation of a
certain cell type is induced and its multiplication is stimulated, followed
by the implantation of these cells into damaged tissues. Examples of the
application of stem cells include the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as
type 1 diabetes mellitus and heart diseases. Stem cells open up new prospects
for the treatment of a series of diseases. In this respect, basic knowledge of
the mechanisms of growth and differentiation of these cells is of the utmost
importance to optimize therapeutic results. In this review, we discuss the
mechanisms of stem cell differentiation and describe the clinical results
reported in the literature, mainly by Brazilian research groups.