Review: Potential of Stem Cells as Regenerative Medicines

Abstract

Regenerative medicines are used to restore the normal function of the damaged organs and tissues to repair them or replace them with functional ones by using a complex surgical process. Limited number of the organ donors as well as the complex surgical procedure turned this field to use an alternative way. The best alternative way is to use the stem cells. Stem cells are the cells that have self renewal capacity as well as have capability to differentiate into specialized and specific cell lineages to repair or replace the damaged tissue or organ. So, the problems that are faced during transplantation are overcome by using stem cells. There are a number of sources of stem cells and their differentiation abilities are vary according to their sources such as some cells give rise to all cell types while some are not. Sources of stem cells are embryo, adipose tissues, amniotic fluid, bone marrow etc. and cell type specific stem cells such as dental pulp stem cells etc. Stem cells have proved their importance and potential as regenerative medicines form fatal diseases such as damaging of heart, kidney, lung and liver to less fatal diseases such as osteoporosis and damaging of teeth. Stem cells also used in the enhancement of aesthetic value of a person by plastic or reconstructive surgery. Paracrine factors and the surrounding environment also have impact on the working of stem cells.

Keywords: Regenerative medicines, stem cells,differentiation