A Guide to Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Bone marrow is currently being used to treat diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. But increasingly, it’s being used to harvest the cells required for stem cell therapy. Bone marrow contains very high concentrations of the cells required for stem cell transplantations, so it’s the perfect place to harvest them. These particular cells are used to alleviate the symptoms of various conditions, including orthopedic injuries and autoimmune diseases. 

But what exactly is bone marrow? And why is it so effective in the treatment of so many conditions? We take a look.

What Is Bone Marrow?

Found in the center of all human bones, bone marrow is a gelatinous substance that contains blood vessels and a range of stem cells. There are two types of human bone marrow: yellow and red, the latter being a fattier tissue. 

Bone marrow can produce up to 220 billion blood cells every day. In fact, the vast majority of human blood cells come from this source. 

Yellow and Red Bone Marrow Explained

Red and yellow bone marrow contain both hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. Red bone marrow produces the hematopoietic cells that form the basis of blood. The yellow bone marrow in the human body produces mesenchymal stem cells, also referred to as MSCs — which are responsible for the production of fat, cartilage and bone. 

Stem cells are the building blocks of the human body; they’re responsible for the creation of all the other different types of cells. And because of their regenerative properties, they’re currently being used to alleviate a range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, lupus and Parkinson’s Disease. While studies into the efficacy of bone marrow stem cell therapy are still ongoing, patients around the world are reporting significant benefits after receiving a stem cell transplant.

Removing Bone Marrow Aspirate

During the harvesting process, a substance called bone marrow aspirate is removed. Clinicians study this substance and use it to perform a range of diagnostic tests. And it’s also used to extract the cells required for stem cell therapy. 

Extraction of bone marrow aspirate is carried out while the patient is awake. However, a local anesthetic is administered, as the procedure can be painful and uncomfortable. The marrow is extracted carefully using a long, thin needle. The highest concentration of stem cells is located in pelvic bone marrow, so this is the most common area of extraction. 

Clinicians concentrate the harvested cells before re-inserting them in the affiliated area of the patient’s body. Over the following weeks, these regenerative, reparative cells located damaged or dead tissue and promote the growth of replacement cells in the area. For many patients, this slows the progress of their condition and lessens many of the symptoms. 

If you’re interested in stem cell therapy as a method of alleviating your chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms, call the experts at Cendant today.