Stem cells. Overview (Part I)
Abstract
Introduction: advances in the knowledge of stem cell biology and the molecular mechanisms that regulate self-renovation and cellular differentiation allow the emergence of new therapeutic options for various diseases that, so far, do not have effective treatments.
Objective: to collect in a structured form information regarding stem cells, embryonic and adult, their sources of production, potentialities, versatility and mechanisms of action.
Method: the national and international literature on the subject, published mainly between 2011 and 2015 in Spanish and English, in print and digital formats was reviewed. The Internet search included the Medline, CUMED and SciELO Cuba databases; "Stem cells", "pluripotential cells", "regenerative medicine" and "tissue engineering" were used as search criteria. A structured review was prepared from the selected materials.
Development: stem cells have the ability to self-replicate indefinitely by cell division (self-renewal) and under appropriate microenvironmental conditions can morphologically and functionally differentiate into other specialized cell types. Various investigations in animal models and observations in humans show that adult stem cells can contribute to the regeneration of damaged tissues.
Conclusions: the exclusive properties of stem cells and their biological behavior open up promising perspectives in basic and clinical research with a view to their therapeutic use in various diseases. However, there is a need to delve deeper into the mechanisms of stem cell renewal, differentiation and action, to agree on research results and to establish clinical recommendations based on scientific evidence.Downloads
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