Many investigators have used xenogeneic, especially murine stromal cells and fetal calf serum to maintain and expand human stem cells. The proliferation and expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells in ex vivo culture were examined with the goal of generating a suitable protocol for expanding hematopoietic stem cells for patient transplantation. Using primary fetal liver cells, we established...

This paper explores the perspectives of women who have agreed that their umbilical cord blood may be collected for a public 'cord blood bank', for use in transplant medicine or research. Drawing on interview data from 27 mothers who agreed to the collection and use of their umbilical cord blood, these choices and the informed consent process are explored. It is shown that the needs of sick chil...

Ex vivo expansion of human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC) is explored by several investigators to enhance the repopulating potential of HUCBC. The proliferation and expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in ex vivo culture was examined with the goal of generating a suitable clinical protocol for expanding HSC for patient transplantation. Using primary human mesenchymal stem ...

Background: Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) is an acceptable and readily accessible source of stem cells. There is an ongoing interest in cord blood stem cell therapies; however, little is known about the possible unfavorable effects of laboratory modifications on the isolated HUCB cells. The involvement of miRNAs in several biological processes has been shown. The aim of this study was to ev...

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aim to demonstrate that measurement of the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the umbilical cord blood of newborn infants born via cesarean section (C/S) and normal vaginal delivery (NVD) is indicative of oxidative stress during the perinatal period. METHODS The study was conducted at Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital between January 2006 and April 2006 on 15 new...

OBJECTIVES To determine blood-lead (Pb) levels in pregnant women and neonates in a metallurgical city of Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out, the population of which consisted of pregnant women who had lived for at least two years in the city of La Oroya, at the time when the lead, copper and zinc foundries operated normally. A blood sample was obtained from th...

The umbilical cord is a helical and tubular blood conduit connecting the foetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord achieves its final form by the 12th week of gestation and normally contains two arteries and a single vein, all embedded in Wharton's jelly. The structure of the umbilical cord receives only a cursory glance during many obstetric ultrasound examinations: with imaging limited to do...

Each year there are over four million live births in the United States. Each birth produces umbilical cord blood stem cells, which are usually discarded. The author argues that rather than discarding the umbilical cord, this valuable resource of cord blood should be banked and used for research and therapeutic purposes. Umbilical cord blood could provide a solution to the critical need to find ...

The transformation of umbilical cord blood from being a waste product to being a valuable source of stem cells has led to the emergence of significant legal, ethical and social issues. This editorial proposes an agenda for research into the regulation of umbilical cord blood banking which focuses on issues of characterisation, consent, the interplay of public and private services, and the impor...