A research scientist examining a culture of adult stem cells isolated from adipose tissue under microscope.*

Adult Stem Cells

A research scientist performing extractions on a culture of adult stem cells in the laboratory.*

There are two main types of stem cells, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. While embryonic stem cells are still a cause of controversy, the field of adult stem cells is beginning to gain significant momentum and praise in the scientific and medical community. These non-controversial adult stem cells reside in your bone marrow, fat, as well as other organs and tissues in the body. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, but also maintaining the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues. They are undifferentiated cells and posess the capability to ultimately differentiate into many different types of cells throughout the body (e.g. liver cells, pancreatic cells, lung cells, nerve cells, etc.).

What do they do?

• secrete chemicals that promote the healing of damaged tissue
• respond to signals in the body released during injury by homing to the site and repairing damaged tissue

Adult stem cells bring significant promise as a healing mechanism and treatment method for a variety of otherwise untreatable conditions. Bone marrow transplants are an example of an adult stem cell therapy that has been in use for decades. Other advanced therapies are being developed and administered by international organizations such as the Stem Cell Institute. Many procedures are in clinical trials in the United States.

Another way to improve health through the use of stem cells is to stimulate the body's natural release of stem cells from the bone marrow. Drug companies manufacture drugs that cause the body to release such concentrations of stem cells. Stem-Kine also causes the release of stem cells from the bone marrow, but it is not a drug. Rather, it is a natural food supplement that nourishes the body's natural healing mechanisms, allowing an increase in circulating stem cells for an extended period of time.

Types of Stem Cells

Human CD34 stem cells isolated and stained.*

There are multiple different types of stem cells found in adult tissue. The following are some common stem cells stimulated by Stem-Kine:

• CD 34+ Hematopoietic Stem Cells: CD34+ is a cell surface protein that is present on various cells within the human body. It is used to help identify the cell. CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells are sourced from the adult bone marrow and have the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cells; neural cells, muscle cells, liver cells, etc. This has made them a very important topic of adult stem cell research.
• CD 133+ Hematopoietic Stem Cells: CD133+ is a cell surface glycoprotein that is also present on various cells within the body, including some hematopoietic stem cells. They are also sourced from the bone marrow and have the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cells.
• Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Endothelial progenitor cells, or EPCs, are a type of cell that is found circulating in the bloodstream. EPCs possess the ability to differentiate into endothelial cells, which are used to continuously replenish and rebuild the lining of blood vessels. EPCs are sourced from the bone marrow.

*Photographs used by permission from Stem Cell Insitute in Panama City, Panama.