Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They serve as a repair system for the body.
Stem cells also have a strong secretory function, promoting the formation of new blood vessels, cell proliferation and differentiation, and inhibiting inflammatory response, experts say.
The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness the WHO says.
Though most people who test positive for COVID-19 experience minor-to-moderate symptoms, such as coughing, fever and respiratory issues, those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing more serious symptoms that potentially turn deadly.
This now poses the question of whether or not stem cell or stem cell therapy may be able to help a person who is inflicted with with the deadly corona virus fight the said dreaded disease.
Here is a collection of some latest news about stem cell and how it may be used to curb the deaths caused by COVID-19.
Stem Cell Therapy Successful in 7 COVID-19 Cases
While scientists all over the world are working on a vaccine that would be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of researchers from China and other countries has been exploring a therapeutic approach. Capitalizing on previous research, this group has conducted a successful trial of MSC therapy, resulting in the recovery of all seven patients [1]. These important results inspire hope, considering that a vaccine may still be more than a year away. read more
Coronavirus: critically ill Chinese patient saved by stem cell therapy, study says
A 65-year-old Chinese woman who fell seriously ill after being infected with the Corona virus made a startling recovery after being given stem cell therapy, according to a new study by Chinese scientists. read more
Coronavirus: China looking at using stem cell therapy to treat severe cases
BEIJING (XINHUA) – Chinese researchers are studying the use of stem cell technology in the treatment of people critically ill with the coronavirus, the Science and Technology Daily reported.
Four Covid-19 patients who received stem cell treatment while in a serious condition have been discharged from hospital after recovering, and the clinical trial of the therapy will be further expanded, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping, was cited by the paper as saying. read more