Stem cell technology has developed rapidly in recent years. Because of its great development potential and clinical application value in disease treatment, tissue repair, anti-aging beauty and many other aspects, it has become one of the important directions in the field of life science and attracted widespread attention all over the world.
Stem cell technology is a new biotechnology, an advanced cell therapy and the core of regenerative medicine, so it has become an important direction of research and development in many countries.
China has spared no effort in stem cell research, almost keeping pace with developed countries, and has its own unique advantages. With the opening of the national policy gate, in a series of major scientific and technological projects, the research and development of stem cell technology and products aimed at clinical application has received continuous huge funds and policy support from all sides.
Nowadays, stem cells and their transformation have been listed as one of the strategic and forward-looking major scientific issues clearly pointed out in the 13 th Five-Year National Science and Technology Innovation Plan. The state invested 630 million yuan to support the special project "stem cell and transformation research" 20 18. With the active intervention of the policy, the State Party Committee and the State Council accelerated the examination and approval of institutions applying for stem cell clinical research. At present, 1 14 medical institutions have obtained the permission of stem cell clinical research.
Stem cells can be found in you and me. They are pluripotent cells with self-differentiation and replication ability. They can differentiate into a variety of functional cells, repair damaged cells and organs, and provide protection for human health and quality of life.
What are the sources of stem cells?
Stem cells are actually the most primitive cells, derived from very basic cells. Our skin, small intestine, blood and hair are constantly renewed, and this renewal process is completed by stem cells. What we usually call stem cells can be roughly divided into embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells according to their developmental stages.
Embryonic stem cells that can eventually develop into all tissues and organs of the human body have the strongest ability. The United States has been conducting a large number of embryonic stem cell research experiments, because embryonic stem cells can be made into organelles and expanded in large quantities, which can gain huge benefits.
However, studies have shown that embryonic stem cells may undergo genetic distortion in the long-term passage process, which will have adverse effects; In addition, it involves serious ethical issues, so it is no longer valued.
Adult stem cells, the main type of stem cell research in China, are more sensitive than American stem cells. Because the preparation of adult stem cells is relatively simple and safe, a large number of clinical experiments in China have made good progress.
At present, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are the most commonly used stem cells in clinical experiments and applications in China. They are a kind of mesenchymal stem cells stored in fat and Wharton glue of umbilical cord and perivascular tissue of newborn respectively, and usually stored in liquid nitrogen environment of-196℃ through professional technology.
Compared with embryonic stem cells, the advantages are more obvious:
Because of its convenience in obtaining materials, no ethical controversy, large number of available cells, strong proliferation ability, great immunomodulation, very high total amount of secreted cell growth factors, easy amplification and passage, and no problems such as matching and rejection, it is very suitable for clinical research and application.
What are the applications of stem cells?
Application of 1. in major and difficult diseases
Regenerative medicine with stem cell therapy as the core plays an important role in the treatment of major diseases of nerve, blood, cardiovascular and reproductive system, liver, kidney, pancreas and other organs.
Successfully saved the right leg through stem cell therapy. Click on the picture to learn.
Clinical studies have proved that stem cells can significantly improve neurodegenerative diseases, immune diseases and the following diseases, and show amazing therapeutic potential. There is nothing unusual through long-term observation.
Beauty anti-aging, diabetes, heart disease, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, osteoporosis, cerebral palsy, eye disease, rheumatoid cell storage in children.
2. Application in cell regeneration and tissue repair
After our skin or organs are injured, stem cells can quickly reach the injured site and participate in the repair and replacement of the injury through transplantation. Take liver repair as an example, as shown in the following figure.
In addition, when we are sick, cells can't reproduce for a long time, or they are in a malignant state, and cells can't replicate, so they need to be supplemented by foreign cells. This is what we often call stem cell therapy.
3. Application of simultaneous transplantation in the treatment of hematological diseases.
In recent years, the application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells in children's hematological diseases has gradually increased, but the recovery of hematopoietic function and graft reaction after transplantation are still the key to successful transplantation.
The emergence of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells provides a new and efficient method for post-transplantation treatment, and its safety and effectiveness are gradually recognized.
4. Application of stem cells in anti-aging
In the field of anti-aging, mesenchymal stem cells are the most widely used, and the more mature products are sub-health anti-aging stem cell preparations.
Products for improving sexual function, used for hair transplantation, gingival atrophy, macular degeneration and joint degeneration; There are also wound dressings and external repair gels widely used in clinic.
Anti-aging and conditioning effects of Qian Hai precision biological SCCT cells;
◆ External changes occur within one week, such as smooth, moist, delicate and ruddy skin, reduced pigmentation and sagging skin.
◆ Small wrinkles fade in a month or so; Fading of facial spots
◆ Hair increases and turns from white to black in about three months; Loose skin begins to tighten, and women's breasts and buttocks tighten.
◆ Sleep is improved, fatigue is not easy, energy is abundant, and memory is improved.
◆ Symptoms such as anxiety, hot flashes, hyperhidrosis and irritability have improved.
◆ Sexual function is improved, prostatic hypertrophy and hyperplasia are reduced, menstruation of some premature ovarian failure women is restored, and menopausal symptoms are improved.
◆ Appetite is improved, abdominal distension and constipation are alleviated or even disappeared, and the symptoms of enteritis are improved.
◆ Balance and improvement of system functions such as exercise, immune function and nervous system gradually appear; Improve human body function in an all-round way, improve the present situation of human body degradation, and keep the body youthful and energetic.
5. The application of stem cells in medical cosmetology.
The latest stem cell products for beauty include some freeze-dried cosmetics for skin micro-needle injection, stem cell essence developed by various enterprises, and stem cell filling for breast enhancement and lip augmentation.
Three questions you want to know most about stem cells.
@ Q: We often hear that stem cell technology can cure diseases, so where is its main source?
@ Qianhai Precision Biology: The commonly used sources of stem cells in clinic mainly include autologous peripheral blood (including high risk of infectious diseases and viruses), autologous bone marrow (less amplification, long recovery period), umbilical cord blood (generally unusable, need to be preserved), umbilical cord and placenta tissue (need to be preserved); The standard of stem cell screening is also very strict, and it needs to be free from any virus infection, hepatitis, HIV, etc. , can be used only after reaching the qualified standard.
@ Question: Is the clinical application of stem cells in China mature at present, and are there any side effects?
@ Dr. Li: Take 307 Hospital as an example. "Our hospital has been using stem cells for 9 years and obtained a lot of exact research data (using umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells). In more than 3,000 clinical studies, no abnormalities, side effects or bad results were found. From the effect point of view, the disease has been significantly improved, including the tissues in the body and the immune system itself. "
@ Q: How many times does stem cell therapy need? Can the effect last?
@ Dr. Li: Through clinical stem cell therapy, we found that its effect is short-term, but the therapeutic effect can be superimposed and sustained, and it can continue to repair the body, so the effect will be better after 3 to 4 times. And now the stem cell technology has been recognized by the country, and the research carried out is relatively early even in the world, so it is recommended to give patients three or four times of stem cell therapy.
As a revolutionary technology, stem cells have brought new hope to countless patients and promoted the development of an industry. Today, more and more people begin to pay attention to stem cells, understand their clinical progress or store their own stem cells. Maybe there is only one reason-it can save lives.