Cord Blood Stem Cells: A Step In the Right Direction

By Martin A. David martin.david@hqpublications.com Pharmavita Columnist November 18, 2005

Stem cells, which can develop to fill any role in the complex human body, can be harvested from fertilized eggs, but that method has become the source of political battles. Scientists have discovered that the discarded umbilical cord contains blood that is another source of stem cells.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells are often in the news these days. They may be developed into cells that can help cure diabetes, alzheimer's disease, leukemia and other afflictions. Many parents are arranging to have their infants' umbilical cords put into cord blood banks as a form of insurance against future health problems. Their hope is that by saving their babies' cord blood, they will be providing medical scientists with the material needed to correct serious problems that may arise as the child grows.

Cord Blood Stem Cell Triumphs

Cord blood transplants have already saved a number of infants from the fatal condition known as Krabbe's disease. A number of other rare diseases such as Hurler syndrome, Adrenoleukodystrophy, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Tay-Sachs disease, and Sandhoff disease have also been treated with cord blood stem cells.

Of course, these are not miracle cures. The disease symptoms must be detected early enough for the diseases to be reversed. The stem cell treatment does not work in every case, but enough progress has been made to give hope for the future.

Other Cord Blood Possibilities

In addition to working with infants and small children, the use of cord blood stem cell lines has promise for adult leukaemia, serious liver ailments, and many other adult illnesses. Cord blood banking is becoming an important way of looking toward future health.

About the Author
Martin A. David consults as a Senior Technical Writer for a number of Silicon Valley firms. He is also a translator, specializing in Danish, French and Spanish literary works. He has written numerous feature articles for publications including the Los Angeles Times. He has also published a novel, and a non-fiction book in the area of dance. Martin earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Brooklyn College in his native New York. He currently chairs the Santa Clara Cultural Advisory Commission in Santa Clara, California.