What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine is a new subset of medicinal study which aims to treat injuries and diseases by using the body's capabilities for healing and regeneration. The study of regenerative medicine brings together knowledge from varied scientific disciplines such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology. Some of the predominant principles that govern the research of regenerative medicine are –

1. Comprehending the physiology and physiological mechanisms of stem cells

2. Learning about the birth and death of stem cells

3. How and why a stem cell changes into a regular cell

4. Knowing about the supporting structure that exists between cells

How it Works?

Human adults are born with specific regenerative capabilities. The liver can grow back to its original form even after being damaged by injury or disease. Our skin too can repair itself. However, not all organs and tissues possess this ability. Scientists believe that there is room for modification here. First, they'll need to understand the most particulate details of molecular and cellular mechanisms.

Regenerative medicine is applicable in the following three manners –

• For organ growth – When disease or injury causes organ failure, we need to get a transplant done. It is the only way we can survive. However, the demand for donated organs outstrips the number of organ donors there are. Naturally, most of these patients in need of organ donations have their fate sealed. Regenerative medicine wishes to create organs anew from the patient's own cells and tissues. This way there remains no chance of complications arising from another's organ rejection by their body.
• For self-repair – Highly pluripotent embryonic stem cells got from inner cell mass, from blastocysts cause our growth. Pluripotency refers to the ability that these cells possess to divide and differentiate into any cell such as muscle cells, nerve cells, and even blood cells. This particular type of cell could help repair damaged tissues and organs. Nature already stands testimony to such a feature in zebrafish which can mend its own heart.
• In cellular therapies – Stem cells can be used in the repair of organs and tissues that become injured or diseased. They could soon be used to treat and cure genetic disorders and diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Leukemia, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes type I and Dementia.

Why should we be excited?

Regenerative medicine ushers the future of medical treatment. Using regenerative medicine, you can replace or regenerate any damaged tissue and organs in the body – potentially being able to cure innumerable diseases, genetic conditions, and injuries. It has already found its way into clinical practice by using materials that assist in the process of healing by releasing cytokines and growth factors into the damaged tissue. Regenerative medicine and cellular therapies will continue to meet and grow together as more applications of regenerative medicine are being researched. It is a happy prospect for global healthcare as it could lead to a drop in human mortality.

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