sourish01 Jul 2009 03:30 pm
Graft Vs host disease & stem cell transplant - can the new therapy accomplish the challenge?
GRAFT vs host disease has been a common chronic disease in older days when tissue grafting derived from other people had been a common practise until the advent of artificial implants. Present day stem cell therapy involves transplantations which has again given triggered the frequency of the disease again. A new therapy has come up to solve the problem, but will it be effective enough?
Stem cell transplant help eight years old girl Thamirabharuni, get rid of the deadly genetic blood disorder thalassemia. The transplant was done on last March, almost 100 days after the stem cell treatment one can surely say that the girl is cured from thalassemia.
This is a very “catch 22″ situation that every newly gifted parents face. Whom to give the cord blood? The public banks will be a better choice or it is to be donated to the private ones. People are adviced with a plenty of suggestion by dozens of wisemen. But you need to know the right way to choose.
Ever wondered how the researchers distinguish and separate these stem cells from the cord blood? Presently we hear a lot about stem cell therapies and obtaining stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood cells. Lets read through the article and find some complex defined theory of the scientists in simpler words, for you to understand.
At the very beginning of stem cell research Bone Marrow was the sole source. As it had some faltering effects, scientists moved on for embryonic stem cells. Again as because of the ethical issues, stem cell source changed its course towards umbilical cord blood cells. Presently three more sources are discovered as Placental Stem cell, dental stem cell and Menstrual Blood Stem cell. Each of these sources have their individual advantages and disadvantages. Lets see how according to situation and condition each of them complements each other. 
Often you face the confusion when some article or doctor sometimes refer to autologous stem cell transplant and in some cases allogeneic stem cell transplant. This is predominantly to be determined by the stage of the disease, age of the patient and type of disease. So checkout from Dr. Jane who would make you understand in simple words and get over your confusion.
Tired of hearing the word “stem cells” without understanding “what is it?” Checkout this, we guarantee you that you can have a clear idea about it.
induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPS) is a newer concept in the field of stem cell therapy. Let us see how it promises us a newer and brighter future…
