Medical Applications of Menstrual Blood Stem Cells

The science and medicine are continuously seeking new possibilities in the field of healing, particularly in the treatment of neurological diseases. Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are conditions that significantly impact patients’ lives, and traditional therapies often have limited effectiveness. Researchers are constantly looking for new solutions, and the application of stem cells derived from umbilical cord and menstrual blood may offer new hope.

The unique ability of stem cells to differentiate into various types of cells and their immunologically immature state allows them to support the survival of surrounding cells rather than replace them. Through the study of these cells, increasingly promising results are emerging that target future therapeutic possibilities.

Stem Cells from Umbilical Cord and Menstrual Blood

Umbilical cord stem cells (hUCB) and menstrual blood stem cells (MensSC) play a prominent role in medical research. Umbilical cord stem cells are only available at birth, while stem cells derived from menstrual blood can be regularly collected from women of reproductive age for up to 40 years. This difference offers significant advantages in research and therapy.

In studies, MensSCs have been tested in animals and have shown the ability to differentiate into various types of nerve cells. The potential of these stem cells lies in their ability to assist in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, as they reduce inflammation, which often plays a key role in these diseases. hUCB also offers promising therapeutic possibilities, as it can reduce inflammation that supports neurodegenerative processes.

The Future of Drugs and Treatments

Research has revealed that menstrual blood cells contain proliferative stem cells that can also transform into heart and nerve cells. This creates new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of neurological diseases. Experiments on animals have shown that MensSC can provide protection against conditions of oxygen and glucose deprivation, which are common during strokes.

The factors released by transplanted cells have neuroprotective effects and are likely associated with selected growth factors, such as neurotrophin-3, which may be effective in the treatment of strokes. Researchers are continuously working to understand how to best utilize these cellular opportunities and how to harness them for healing.

Reducing Inflammation and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, hUCB may have anti-inflammatory properties. The accumulation of amyloid beta underlies the disease, activating the immune response and causing inflammatory states in the brain. Research indicates that hUCB can alter this inflammatory response, potentially having a beneficial effect on animal models of Alzheimer’s disease.

In stem cell treatments, hUCB transplantation has reduced the number of brain cells known as microglia, which play a role in inflammatory reactions. The dosage and timing of treatment are crucial for effectiveness, prompting researchers to continuously refine these approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The Situation of Stem Cell Treatments in Hungary

In Hungary, the regulation of stem cell treatments is conducted within strict frameworks. Currently, bone marrow transplantation is the only clinically accepted stem cell implantation, which is also applied in cases of life-threatening skin injuries, under a stringent approval process.

The future of stem cell research and treatment is promising, but the scientific community and medical authorities must collaborate to make the latest discoveries and technological innovations accessible to patients. The potential of stem cells and the development of new therapeutic options may offer new hopes for people struggling with neurological diseases in the future.