Just a few days ago we commented that scientists are focusing their research on the search for new sources of stem cells such as fallopian tubes and other human tissues.
US researchers have just announced that the placenta could also add to the list of new sources of stem cells.
The vital support organ for the baby that develops in pregnancy and that is discarded after childbirth contains hematopoietic stem cells, the most primitive blood cells responsible for renewing all blood cells throughout adulthood.
The Oakland Children's Hospital and Research Center team has for the first time been able to locate and remove these cells from the placenta of four women who gave birth by caesarean section.
Apparently, this mass of tissue essential for the exchange of nutrients between the baby and the mother during pregnancy and which was considered useless after delivery could be a treasure that we did not know for the treatment of serious diseases such as thalassemia or leukemia.
If so, a new horizon opens up in the field of stem cell research, although many scientists perfume being cautious about the possible applications of hematopoietic cells.
In addition, the interesting thing about the finding is that the cells could be extracted and stored for a long time, as is currently done with stem cells extracted from the umbilical cord.
Of course, although bioscience has a long way to go, it is encouraging that the stem cells of an organ as important for the development of human beings as the placenta can serve in the future to treat serious diseases that cause the death of thousands of people .
