Menstrual blood, often discarded as waste, may hold a treasure trove for regenerative medicine. Recent research published in the journal Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology has showcased the immense potential of stem cells found in menstrual blood for treating a variety of diseases.
The study brought together scientists from around the world, including teams from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Monash University in Melbourne, to explore the potential of these cells. The findings were staggering. Stem cells from menstrual blood can be used for a range of therapeutic applications, from diagnosing endometriosis to potentially treating other serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.
Menstrual blood stem cells possess unique properties that make them particularly appealing for medical use. Unlike other types of stem cells, they are abundant, easy to collect without invasive procedures, and pose no ethical issues. These cells have the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types, offering a renewable resource for generating healthy tissue. The endometrial stem cells have been linked to endometriosis, a painful condition affecting approximately 190 million women and girls globally.
While much about this condition remains a mystery, it's hypothesized that one cause could be the backflow of menstrual blood into the fallopian tubes. Endometrial stem cells deposited in these areas may lead to the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, causing lesions that result in severe pain, scarring, and often infertility.
This research also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beyond health (SDG 3), including gender equality (SDG 5) by addressing women's health issues directly and supporting education and innovation (SDG 9) through its pioneering approach to medical research. It emphasizes the importance of science and international collaboration in tackling global challenges, highlighting the potential of overlooked biological resources in advancing health and well-being.
More information & image credits: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-cellbio-011723-021442