Cord Blood Basics
Why Store Cord Tissue?
Research suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to develop into structural and connective tissue. This important characteristic means that they could potentially be used to treat more conditions than cord blood alone can treat.5 Today, there are 70+ ongoing trials that are investigating the potential of MSCs to help treat a variety of medical conditions including40:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Wound Repair
Storing cord tissue today may provide future health options for your child and your family.
What is Cord Tissue?
Cord tissue is a segment of the baby’s umbilical cord. Cord tissue is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are the precursors to bone, cartilage, muscle and fat tissues.
Difference between Cord Blood and Tissue stem cells
|Umbilical Cord Blood||Umbilical Cord Tissue|
Cord Blood – What it Contains:
Hematopoietic, or blood-forming, stem cells are the prominent stem cells in cord blood.
Cord Tissue – What it Contains:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the prominent stem cells in cord tissue. Epithilial and endothelial cells, both of which have potential to be developed therapeutically, are also present in cord tissue.
|What Cord Blood is Used For:
Cord blood is used as a source of hematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplants. Currently, cord blood has been used in transplants for 80+ diseases including cancers, blood disorders, metabolic disorders and genetic diseases.10 Cord blood is being investigated for treatment of a number of non-blood related disorders including cerebral palsy, autism, stroke, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, acquired hearing loss, Type 1 diabetes and neonatal encephalopathy, to name a few.
What Cord Tissue May Be Used For: