Why Cord Tissue Banking Matters?

Cord tissue banking is a groundbreaking medical advancement that every expecting parent should know about. While cord blood banking has been established for decades, cord tissue preservation is a newer but equally important option. Also, did you know that over 40,000 stem cell transplants have been successfully performed worldwide using umbilical cord blood?

Together, these two forms of stem cell banking offer a more comprehensive approach to protecting a child's future health. Let us learn more about why cord tissue is gaining attention in the medical field.

What is Cord Tissue?

Cord tissue is the protective material surrounding umbilical cord blood vessels, known as Wharton's jelly. This tissue primarily consists of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have the ability to develop into various cell types (like bone, cartilage, muscle tissues, and more).

In addition to differentiation, MSCs from cord tissue secrete bioactive molecules that promote tissue repair, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and anti-scarring effects, making them unique therapeutic tools. These cells were first identified in the early 1990s and are known for their unique properties for tissue repair and regeneration.

How Does Cord Tissue Banking Work?

Cord tissue banking is a straightforward and completely safe process that happens right after birth. Once your baby is delivered and the umbilical cord is cut, something that happens naturally during every birth. Your healthcare provider collects a small segment of the umbilical cord. It is done carefully and quickly to ensure that there is no discomfort or risk to either the mother or the baby.

The collected cord tissue is then preserved under highly controlled conditions to maintain the viability of the stem cells. Specialized labs process and store the tissue, ensuring it remains ready for potential future use. The entire procedure is painless and non-invasive and these factors make it an easy yet potentially life-changing decision for families.

Why Do You Need Cord Tissue Banking?

Cord tissue banking acts as biological insurance for families. Unlike cord blood, cord tissue banking is important for several reasons:

1. Regenerative Medicine Potential:

MSCs from cord tissue are being studied for their proficiency to treat conditions like heart disease, neurological disorders, and injuries. They are under study for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They also show promise in treating diabetes, spinal cord injuries, liver diseases, and skin burns through their ability to promote cellular repair and regeneration.

Read also: List of Diseases Treated Using Cord Tissue

2. Higher Yield:

The number of stem cells in cord tissue can be significantly 13–14 times higher than in other sources. This higher cell count enhances their applicability in large-scale or repeated therapies.

3. Young, More Potent Cells:

The stem cells are young and have a higher ability to differentiate into various cell types. The immaturity of cord tissue cells reduces response risks. Because they are collected at birth, these cells have undergone minimal environmental damage or aging, ensuring higher efficacy.

4. Prolific Reproduction:

These stem cells reproduce more effectively than those from other sources. This prolific replication potential promises a sustainable supply for long-term or future therapeutic needs.

5. Migratory Ability:

They can move to damaged areas in the body, aiding repair processes. This homing ability is being utilized in advanced studies to target specific tissues or organs affected by diseases like fibrosis, osteoarthritis, and traumatic injuries.

Promising Advances in Medical Treatments

In addition to their regenerative capacity, these cells exhibit immunomodulatory properties, which make them promising candidates for treating autoimmune disorders and reducing transplant rejection. This opens new doors for therapies in conditions where conventional treatments may fall short. Moreover, their anti-inflammatory effects are being actively explored in managing chronic inflammatory diseases, offering hope for breakthroughs in conditions such as arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Comparative Table: Cord Blood Banking vs. Cord Tissue Banking

Here's a comparative table that shows how cord tissue banking is different from cord blood banking:

Wrapping Up

Cord tissue banking is a proactive and scientifically grounded choice for families looking to secure advanced health options.

With ongoing research, the applications of stem cells from both cord tissue and cord blood are expected to expand, offering hope for addressing a broader spectrum of health challenges. While cord tissue provides MSCs for regenerative therapies, cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), essential for rebuilding blood and immune systems. Banking both types of stem cells during childbirth ensures families maximize their therapeutic possibilities and prepare for emerging medical breakthroughs.

For families exploring these options, it is important to choose a trusted provider like Cryoviva that follows the latest advancements in stem cell preservation.