The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cell Therapy and Beyond
Abstract
Aim: This review examines the potential of stem cell ther-apy in regenerative medicine, focusing on adult stem cells, par-ticularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), their sources, and clinical applications. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was con-ducted, analyzing the characteristics, therapeutic potentials, and clinical outcomes associated with various stem cell types, including embryonic, induced pluripotent, and tissue-derived stem cells. Results: The review highlights that while MSCs, derived from sources like bone marrow and adipose tissue, show prom-ising preclinical results in tissue repair and inflammation reduc-tion, clinical applications have yielded inconsistent outcomes. Factors such as cell preparation, otency, and variability in cul-ture conditions contribute to these discrepancies. Additionally, advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and induced tissue-specific stem cells (iTS) provide new avenues for over-coming some of the ethical and practical challenges associated with traditional stem cell therapies. Conclusion: The field of regenerative medicine holds sig-nificant potential through stem cell therapy. Continued research is essential to standardize protocols, enhance differentiation ca-pabilities, and ensure safety in clinical applications. The future of stem cell therapy will likely be shaped by innovations that address current limitations and improve therapeutic efficacy.