There are various branches of the medical field, ranging from genetics to dentistry to immunology. A particularly fascinating and futuristic branch of medicine is that of Regenerative Medicine, which focuses on maintaining the health of the human body. What is this branch all about? Read on to find out!
Image is courtesy of Edward Jenner via Pexels.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
According to Nature Portfolio, Regenerative Medicine is the “branch of medicine that develops methods to regrow, repair or replace damaged or diseased cells, organs or tissues”. It includes a variety of activities and products, ranging from the production of artificial organs to the usage of stem cells.
History of Regenerative Medicine
The University of Nebraska Medical Center walks us through the evolution of Regenerative Medicine in this article. Even before this particular scientific field was called “Regenerative Medicine,” humans have been evolving and improving various medical treatments in order to provide patients with a healthy quality of life. During the early 1800s, there was an expansion in the field of biology and medicine as scientists learned more about chemical reactions in the body, and the possibility of recreating such processes in a laboratory. Later, in 1928, Alexander Flemming introduced antibiotics, creating an impactful change on the healthcare industry. Shortly after, the discovery of DNA and its structure allowed for scientists to dive deeper into human biology and the systems of the human body, allowing for more opportunities of body parts in the laboratory. Today, regenerative medicine has turned into activities such as stem cells, biomaterials, artificial organs and more.
Types of Regenerative Medicine
According to Dr. Nael Shanti, there are various types of treatments and techniques employed in this particular branch of medicine, and new ones are still being developed today.
Stem Cell Therapy
The following information on Stem Cell Therapy is obtained from Virginia Spine Institute and Healthline. Stem Cells are cells that can be differentiated into other types of cells, and carry out their function. As a result, they are able to adapt to the surroundings of the location they are placed in, and use the body’s natural healing process to repair a damaged area. Such therapies are frequently used to treat medical or sport injuries, such as severe burns or orthopaedic accidents. There are 3 main types of stem cells, each with their own characteristics: Adult Stem Cells, Human Embryonic Stem Cells, and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. However, this therapy does present various ethical and safety concerns, which are still being visited by scientists.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
The following information on PRP Therapy is obtained from Dr. Nael Shanti and Virginia Spine Institute. This therapy uses platelets and plasma present in blood to heal and repair injuries, as they promote growth and healing factors. To produce the treatment, a patient’s own blood is drawn, and then added to a substance that contains a higher concentration of such items. The new treatment is then administered to the patient in the form of an injection. PRP Therapy is commonly used as a solution to conditions such as tendon sprains, spinal issues and arthritis. Overall, this treatment is low risk as the patient’s own blood is being used (minimal space for developing an immune response).
Tissue Engineering
This is a sub-field of regenerative medicine focusing on the development of artificial cells, tissues, and organs through the use of biomaterials, as explained by ResearchGate. Such productions are primarily created using Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells, which can be found in the umbilical cord, bone marrow and fat tissue. Tools used in tissue engineering include cell printing machines and imaging analysis. Despite the fascination in this sub-field, it is still relatively new, and there is still much research to be done in order to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of artificial organs. For further clarification, check out this video by TED-Ed on YouTube.
These are just a couple of treatments in the vast space of regenerative medicine. Feel free to consult the sites below to check out more therapies:
Careers of Regenerative Medicine
As this field is rapidly developing, there are many up and coming careers within it. Here are some jobs, listed by Insider Guides, if you are interested in the field of regenerative medicine:
Tissue engineers are responsible for using regenerative technology to create new skin, muscle and organs.
Stem cell biologists are tasked with conducting research on stem cells, and determine how they can be used to regrow and repair parts of the body.
Nanotechnologists combine the field of technology and science to create nano-sized (tiny!) innovations to create new cures in the field.
Geneticists study the genes and related causes behind health conditions (particularly diseases).
Bioethicists take on a more philosophical approach to the field of regenerative medicine, and determine the moral issues surrounding new treatments.
The Future of Regenerative Medicine
Overall, the future is definitely filled with endless possibilities for the field of Regenerative Medicine. With increased research and testing, scientists will be able to determine the effectiveness behind various treatments and therapies, as well as identify possible ethical or safety issues.
Additional Sources Consulted
Hasan, A. (2017). Tissue Engineering for Artificial Organs: Regenerative Medicine, Smart Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine. (1st ed.). Wiley.
Article Author: Asima Hudani
Article Editors: Victoria Huang, Sherilyn Wen