Mesenchymal Stem Cells vs Embryonic Stem Cells

2. What are Stem Cells? Stem cells are undifferentiated and unique cells with the potential to develop into various specialized cell types in the body. They can be regarded as the building blocks of the body - capable of self-renewal and differentiation. Stem cells' ability to repair damaged tissues make them essential for growth, tissue maintenance, and regeneration. Their versatility holds promise in regenerative medicine, especially as potential treatments for a range of medical conditions, from neurological disorders to heart disease.

3. Types of Stem Cells • Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) - Cells derived from the inner cell mass of an embryo in its early stages of development • Adult Stem Cells (ASCs) - Undifferentiated cells procured from fully developed tissues like the brain and bone marrow • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) - Genetically reprogrammed stem cells that exhibit ESCs’ characteristics • Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) - ASCs with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, self-renewal, cell-division, signaling, and differentiation properties In the next few slides, we'll help you understand the difference between ESCs and MSCs.

4. Embryonic Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells are known as pluripotent cells derived from early-stage or unused embryos, typically within the first few days of development. • Derived from an IVF procedure • Derived from the inner cell mass of an embryo in its early stages of development • Typically grown in laboratory conditions • Have self-renewing potential • May be used for organ regeneration • Can differentiate into clinically relevant cell types like dopamine neurons, cardiomyocytes, beta cells, etc • Do not have any specific characteristics like shape, or gene expression pattern

5. Embryonic Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells can offer insights into developmental processes and potential treatments for a variety of injuries and disorders. Since they differentiate into virtually any cell type in the human body, they hold tremendous value for scientific research as well as in regenerative medicine. However, ethical concerns about the procurement of ESCs have made their usage in stem cell therapy contentious. What are these ethical concerns? Tap to know more.

6. Ban on ESCs in 2001 Former US President George W. Bush put a ban on the funding of research on stem cells derived from human embryos. The government called the practice unethical because ESCs were derived by destroying embryos. ESCs are derived from ‘unneeded embryos’ that are created during IVF procedures, much younger than 14 days. In 2009, President Barack Obama lifted the ban. Note: ESCs do not come from aborted or terminated fetuses either.

7. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) can help slow down the rate of degeneration caused by various degenerative disorders • First found in the bone marrow • Capable of making bone, cartilage, neurons and even fat cells • Similar to adult stem cells • Possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, self-renewal, cell-division, signaling, and differentiation properties • Can divide and develop into many specialized cell types in specific organs and/or tissues • Can become unique stem cell types and create more stem cells when cultured in a lab • Can replace cells that are diseased or damaged • Potential applications include tissue regeneration, slowing down progression of chronic disorders

8. Sources of MSCs • Umbilical cord (also known as cord blood cells) • Bone marrow • Adipose tissue • Peripheral blood • Placental tissue • Synovial fluid (present in joints) • Dental pulp MSCs may also be derived from endometrial polyps and menses blood.

9. Differentiation properties of MSCs MSCs can differentiate into a variety of cell types like - • Osteoblasts (bone cells) • Adipocytes (fat cells) • Chondrocytes (cartilage cells) Studies have shown that MSCs also have the potential to differentiate into - • Epithelial cells (found inner and outer surfaces of your body) • Endothelial cells (found in blood vessels) • Neurocytes (nerve cells) • Myocytes (muscle cells) • Cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) • Hepatocyte (liver cells) • Pancreatic cells

10. Stem Cell Therapy at Plexus We offer rehabilitation programmes featuring stem cell therapy for the following conditions: • Stroke • Multiple Sclerosis • Parkinson’s Disease • Spinal Cord Injury • Spinocerebellar Ataxia • Osteoarthritis • Autoimmune conditions like Psoriasis • Neurodevelopmental disorders in children • Muscular Dystrophies • Motor Neuron Diseases • Brachial Plexus Injury

11. Stem Cell Therapy at Plexus We use cord blood cells and mesenchymal stem cells. MSCs are typically sourced from different types of tissue such as: • Bone marrow - through a process called bone marrow aspiration • Blood • Umbilical cord

12. Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy at Plexus • Enhanced everyday functioning • Improved quality of life • Immune system modulation and reduction of inflammation • Prevention of further nerve damage • Speedy recovery post-procedure • Non-surgical procedure • Zero complications and side-effects

13. Stem Cell Therapy at Plexus Book an appointment with India’s no. 1 stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq, and his team of expert stem cell specialists. WhatsApp +91 89048 42087 Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)