STEM CELL PRESERVATION FROM UMBILICAL CORD �?? A LIFESAVER FOR LIFE

Pooja Agarwal*, Nafiza Banu, V. Shalini, M. Manasa Padma

The objective of the study was to evaluate the importance of umbilical stem cells in present scenario. Stem cells are the very foundation of the human body. Every part of our body including blood, bones, skin and muscles are formed from master cells known as stem cells. Stem cells have three important qualities. They have the capacity to turn into any type of cell in the body such as muscle cell, bone cell, blood cell, tissues and brain cell, can replicate or copy them limitlessly and are responsible for repair and regeneration functions in the body. Owing to these qualities, stem cells are taking center stage in medicine today. Research has proven that stem cells can be used in the treatment of many medical conditions. In the past 50 years, over a million people have benefited from the power of stem cells and are now living a renewed life. The human body has different sources of stem cells such as the bone marrow, tooth, peripheral blood and the umbilical cord. Umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells that have the potential to treat medical conditions. The umbilical cord that forms the bond between the mother and the baby inside the womb is the richest source of lifesaving stem cells. There is every reason to preserve the umbilical cord blood and the tissue at the time of birth.