The umbilical cord and its vessels are rich sources of different stem cell types, primarily divided between those found in the blood and those within the cord’s structural tissues.
Umbilical Cord Blood:
Primarily contains Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), which are blood-forming cells.
Wharton’s Jelly:
This is the gelatinous substance surrounding the vessels that is a rich source of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs).
Umbilical Cord Vessels (Arteries and Vein):
Stem cells can be isolated directly from the walls and the perivascular regions (the area immediately surrounding the vessels). Specifically, artery-derived MSCs are considered a more “primitive” and potent population compared to those from adult tissues.
Stem cells from these sources are used for different therapeutic goals:
- Blood & Immune Disorders:
HSCs from cord blood are FDA-approved for treating over 80 conditions, including leukemias, lymphomas, and severe immunodeficiencies. - Regenerative Medicine:
MSCs from the cord tissue and vessel regions are used in trials for organ regeneration, heart disease, joint repair (osteoarthritis), and autoimmune conditions like Type 1 diabetes. - Neurological Conditions:
Research continues into their use for spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Ethical & Non-invasive:
Collected after birth without risk to the mother or baby.
Potency:
These cells are “younger” than adult stem cells (from bone marrow), meaning they have higher proliferative potential and lower risk of environmental damage.
Low Immunogenicity:
They are less likely to cause rejection (Graft-versus-Host Disease), making them suitable for allogeneic (non-self) transplants