Abstract

Extensive research in the field of stem cells has proven the possibility of repairing the damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells can divide and differentiate into various specialized cells. In adult organisms, stem cells act by repairing adult tissues and in a developing embryo, they not only differentiate into all the specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs.Unfortunately the application of stem cells as a therapeutic intervention is in the early stages because the development of stem cells requires ethically sound and scientifically robust models. In recent years, however, the stem-cell rich blood of umbilical cord has shown immense use compared to using bone marrow stem cells and peripheral blood stem cells. The versatility and availability of umbilical cord blood stem cells makes them a potent resource for transplant therapies. The peripheral blood stem cells can be used just like bone marrow stem cells to treat leukemia, other cancers and various blood disorders. In this review article we present an overview of the significant scientific aspects of using human umbilical cord blood stem cells, their biological role and potential regenerative property.

Key words: Blood stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, pluripotency, plasticity, bone marrow, regenerative medicine.