Published online Jan 26, 2015. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i1.186
Peer-review started: July 30, 2014
First decision: September 4, 2014
Revised: October 8, 2014
Accepted: October 28, 2014
Article in press: December 16, 2014
Published online: January 26, 2015
Processing time: 169 Days and 16.8 Hours
In the past few years, stem cells have become the focus of research by regenerative medicine professionals and tissue engineers. Embryonic stem cells, although capable of differentiating into cell lineages of all three germ layers, are limited in their utilization due to ethical issues. In contrast, the autologous harvest and subsequent transplantation of adult stem cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue or blood have been experimentally utilized in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases ranging from myocardial infarction to Alzheimer’s disease. The physiologic consequences of stem cell transplantation and its impact on functional recovery have been studied in countless animal models and select clinical trials. Unfortunately, the bench to bedside translation of this research has been slow. Nonetheless, stem cell therapy has received the attention of spinal surgeons due to its potential benefits in the treatment of neural damage, muscle trauma, disk degeneration and its potential contribution to bone fusion.
Core tip: Stem cells have become an increasingly feasible option for the future treatment of spinal disorders. Recent scientific advances have allowed researchers and spinal surgeons alike to investigate the potential of stem cells in the regeneration of degenerated disks, healing spinal cord injury and helping bone growth in spinal fusion.