What are stem cells?
Stem cells are a type of cells defined as “undifferentiated”, i.e. capable of transforming into cells of other organs or tissues, present in the adult human body. Stem cells can be divided into:
- Totipotent cells: which have the capacity to transform into any organ tissue.
- Multipotent cells: which have the capacity to transform into cells of many organs or tissues, but not all of them.
- Unipotent cells: capable of transforming into a single cell type.
- Multipotent cells: capable of differentiating into a limited number of cell lineages.
- Oligopotent cells: capable of differentiating into only certain cell types.
Stem cells can be found in bone marrow, brain, dermis and dental pulp. In addition, the umbilical cord of newborns and the amniotic fluid are also rich in stem cells.
Stem cells replace old or damaged cells.
What are the functions of stem cells?
Stem cells replace old or damaged cells and are a great opportunity to treat, in the future, diseases that have not been possible to treat so far, such as muscular dystrophy or Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment consists of an operation in which damage to tissues or organs is treated using stem cells.
Which specialists deal with the use of stem cells?
Specialists who treat using stem cells include ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, orthopedists, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, proctologists and gastroenterologists.