Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
Umbilical cord stem cells originate in the tissue of the umbilical cord, and are found in the
gelatinous Wortman’s jelly. They are classified as mesenchymal stem cells, and are the
undifferentiated progenitors for bone, cartilage and connective tissues. They have recently been
recognized as a potential therapeutic for a diverse array of human diseases.
What is an Umbilical Cord Stem Cell?
Umbilical cord stem cells are not to be confused with umbilical cord blood stem cells, or cord
blood. Cord blood stem cells are hematopoietic stem cells, and are undifferentiated blood
progenitor cells. They are harvested from the baby’s placental blood supply. Contrastingly,
umbilical cord stem cells are found in the umbilical cord itself, and are immersed in the
Wortman’s jelly.
They are mesenchymal stem cells, meaning that they are progenitors to bone, cartilage and
connective tissues. Adult mesenchymal stem cells taken from bone marrow have been used to
treat a myriad of diseases. There are no current clinical trials for the usage of umbilical cord
stem cells, but laboratory research suggests that they have nearly unlimited capacity.
Cancer Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
Laboratory studies have now shown that perfusion of umbilical cord stem cells in rats with lung
cancer decreases the number and size of tumors, implying that this could be a good treatment
approach for many different kinds of cancer.
Autoimmune Diseases
Mesenchymal stem cells are able to attenuate the body’s inflammatory response. The
mechanism isn’t well understood, but this property could be exploited in the treatment of
autoimmune diseases. Animal studies have suggested the potential for mesenchymal stem cells
in the treatment of the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis.
Neurodegeneration
Umbilical cord stem cells have now been experimentally induced to form the kinds of neurons
that are degraded in Parkinson’s disease. This suggests that they may be useful in regeneration
of these neurons and, subsequently, treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Tissue Injury
Umbilical cord stem cells are the precursors to bone, cartilage and connective tissue cells. This
implies that they could be effective in the treatment of athletic injuries. Although this has not yet
been used as a treatment in humans, animal studies have indicated that it could be an effective
means of treatment.
Cord blood stem cells are well known, and are widely recognized as potential treatments for
many diseases. However, umbilical cord stem cells have just as much or more capacity, and are
an exciting new frontier in regenerative medicine.