Current state of umbilical cord stem cells in humans

The umbilical cord is an unlimited source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). MSC obtained from the umbilical cord can be differentiated into different types of mesodermal cells, e.g. chondrocytes, osteocytes, adipocytes, and myocytes. It is also worth mentioning that there are reports of MSC differentiation into endo and ectodermal cells. The immunosuppressive properties of MSCs can protect against graft versus host disease as well as prevent rejection after transplantation. Umbilical cord stem cells can be frozen and then stored in liquid nitrogen for many years. In this work, we focused on the use of preclinical and clinical umbilical cord stem cells in disease entities such as type I diabetes, chronic renal failure, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, the anti-cancer properties of Wharton’s jelly cells are described.

Running title: Umbilical cord stem cells in humans