Chapter 14 - Stem cell-based therapy as an antiaging prospective

Abstract

Stem cell therapy is to cure a disease through stem cells or to prevent it. Stem cells have the capability of differentiating into particular cell types. The stem cells obtained from various human body sources, such as peripheral blood, umbilical cord, the blood of newborns, and bone marrow are also in use. Any disease in which there is tissue degeneration can be a potential candidate for stem cell therapies such as Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and some heart ailments. Stem cells have the potential to regenerate and repair tissue but their manipulation, safety, and biology need to be studied before their therapeutic potency can be obtained. Stem cell therapy disclosed various new horizons for the rehabilitation of many fetal diseases related to aging. Aging is the most significant health problem not only for individuals but also for society. Age-related health problems are increasing constantly. This has resulted in an increasing focus on aging and age-related disorders. Hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) used for antiaging has been associated with numerous side effects as cancer which has limited the use of HRT therapy in antiaging. Rather, stem cell therapy is considered to be of great application in antiaging. The use of stem cells has generated a ray of hope in medical fields. The main hurdle with stem cell therapy is the uncertainty of fate and biodistribution of stem cells. Therefore, future developments will concentrate on long-term engraftment and their differentiation at desired sites. This chapter will mostly focus on the demonstration of the pros and cons of stem cell therapy in the treatment of aging and age-related health problems.