Adult Stem Cell Benefits

Research shows that a number of mechanisms are responsible for adult stem cell benefits. The 'classical' (although certainly not centuries-old!) view of adult stem cells is that they work by replacing dead cells with new, healthy cells of the tissue they help to repair. But this is by all means not the only method by which they help to regenerate damaged tissue.

Mechanisms of adult stem cell action in organ regeneration: (adapted from a review by Toegel and Westenfelder, 2007)

1) Suppression of inflammatory reactions -- getting rid of harmful molecules that inflame tissues

2) Chemokine/cytokine secretion -- producing molecules that attract cells to an area

3) Enhancement of proliferation of endogenous stem cells

4) Increasing angiogenesis -- forming new blood vessels

5) Inhibition of apoptosis -- preventing cells from dying

6) Cell fusion

7) Rescue by mitochondrial transfer

8) Replacement of injured tissue -- the classical view

Possible mechanisms for stem cell repair in various conditions:

Autoimmune: induce tolerance to self-antigens
repair damaged tissue

Diabetes: decrease autoimmune responses
regenerate new pancreatic beta cells
new blood vessel generation
analgesic effect on neuropathic pain

Kidney failure: change gene expression of failing renal cells
decrease inflammatory molecules
secrete growth factors

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