Researchers have been conducting studies on how stem cells can help cure life-threatening diseases since their discovery in 1961. They are also studying its uses, specifically as models of genetic disorders, DNA repair, and clinical therapy.
Though stem cells need further studies, they are already helping to cure many critical health problems. For example, teenagers and young people often suffer from issues like knee injuries leading to a lot of pain and inability to do their daily activities. In this situation, treating with injections of stem cells for knees can be a cure.
Before we go further on how stem cells can help you, let us have a quick look at what they are.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the initial form of cells that develops tissues and organs. They are of two types;
Embryonic stem cells:
They are available in an embryo that grows to form a baby. Since they can generate more stem cells and other cell types, they are also called pluripotent.
Adult stem cells:
They are available in most adult tissues like bone marrow in small quantities. They also have a limited capacity to build more cells in the body.
Induced pluripotent stem cells:
Induced pluripotent is a transformed or reprogrammed type of adult stem cells that act like embryonic stem cells. However, their effectiveness and adverse effects are still a matter of more research.
How stem cells can help you?
Stem cells are known for their regenerative and repairing capabilities. That means you can get rid of numerous health issues like organ failures, infections leading to amputations, heart disease, and many others.
Let us discuss how they can help you cure illness and prevent its effects on your body.
Understanding diseases
Stem cells help researchers understand how disease occurs and develops by observing them in the cells of bones, heart, and other organs. So, you can get a better diagnosis of health conditions and treat them accordingly. I.e., it can help you know the probabilities of disease, stage if already there, and which treatment method will provide the highest results.
Treatment
As mentioned in the beginning part of this article, stem cells can help treat knee injuries. Similarly, infusing stem cells in heart is a safer treatment to prevent heart failure. They repair and regenerate tissues and organs affected or damaged due to accidents or diseases, like;
Heart disease
Type 1 diabetes
Parkinson's disease
Spinal cord injuries
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Alzheimer's disease
Cancer
Osteoarthritis
Stroke
Burns and other skin damages due to accidents
Conclusion
Stem cells have been a subject of many medical studies for almost six decades. Hence, we have many treatment options available that involve their usage. Also, several studies are taking place every year, leading to discoveries of new ways of treating dangerous diseases. Finally, we would say that the discovery of stem cells has proved to be a boon for life on earth.
