Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. Cord blood banking involves the collection and cryogenic freezing of umbilical cord blood, which contains valuable stem cells from a baby’s umbilical cord, for potential future medical use.

Cord blood is rich in stem cells and can assist in the treatment of more than 80 diseases. The process includes collecting stem cells and immune system cells from cord blood and storing them for potential future medical use. Stem cells in cord blood can transform into various types of blood cells that a patient’s body might need. Scientifically, cord blood transplants have been shown to improve conditions in patients with serious ailments such as malignancies, bone marrow failure, hemoglobinopathies, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. The success of the treatment depends on the donated cord blood’s tissue type matching that of the patient. Storing as many cord blood donations as possible is crucial, and the process is safe for both the donor and the baby. Cord blood banking is optional and can be performed through public or private banks.

Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that can treat over 80 diseases, including early-stage leukemia. Additionally, cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extensively researched in regenerative medicine and stem cell-based therapies. Moreover, microRNAs in cord blood’s exosomes play a significant role in cellular communication and may contribute to genetic regulation.

For these reasons, it is crucial to choose a cord blood bank accredited by national and international health authorities.

The decision to donate and store cord blood is optional, and our healthcare professionals can provide more information during your pregnancy.

Storing a baby’s cord blood can provide numerous benefits:

Treatment of Diseases: Cord blood can be used in the treatment of various malignant diseases due to its contained stem cells. Especially in numerous conditions such as hematological (blood) disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic disorders, cord blood offers a potential treatment option through stem cell transplantation.

Reduced Risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD): Cord blood transplants can reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease, as the cells in cord blood are not fully matured.

Genetic Compatibility: Cord blood, containing stem cells taken from the baby’s own body, eliminates issues of genetic compatibility. This presents a significant advantage for using these stem cells for a family member in need of a stem cell transplant.

Faster and Easier Adaptation: The youth and increased activity of cord blood stem cells facilitate faster and easier adaptation to the body after transplantation. This improvement can enhance the treatment process and reduce the risk of complications.

Readiness for Use: Cord blood is collected immediately after birth and can be frozen or processed for storage, providing a crucial advantage for quick access to stem cells in emergency situations.

Source Diversity: Cord blood offers an alternative option to other stem cell sources, such as bone marrow. Cord blood stem cells contribute to creating potentially perfectly matched donors for a broader range of people.

Biology of Umbilical Cord Blood: Further Details and Scientific Data

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs):

HSCs in cord blood have a high proliferation and differentiation capacity and can generate various types of blood cells.

Studies indicate that cord blood HSCs share similar characteristics with bone marrow stem cells and can be used for therapeutic purposes.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs):

MSCs in cord blood are noteworthy for their high proliferation, immunomodulation, and regenerative potential.

Experimental studies have demonstrated the differentiation capabilities of cord blood MSCs into different tissues such as bone, cartilage, and fat (4).

Embryonic-Like Induced (Artificial) Stem Cells:

These stem cells in cord blood may have a gene expression profile similar to embryonic-like stem cells (5).

Genetic analyses provide valuable insights into the differentiation potential of these cells in cord blood (6).

Factors Necessary for Hematopoiesis:

Cord blood contains cytokines, growth factors, and chemical signals necessary for the hematopoiesis process (7).

Research has been conducted on the effects of cord blood-derived factors added to human stem cell culture environments on cell proliferation and differentiation.

Immunological Factors:

It is known that stem cells in cord blood have modulatory effects on the immune system (9).

Studies focus on factors regulating immune responses, particularly those with potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases (10).

Genetic Material and Epigenetic Characteristics:

The genetic material of cells in cord blood is crucial for investigating and treating genetic diseases (11).

Epigenetic modifications may influence the differentiation potential of cord blood stem cells, and ongoing studies continue to explore this area (12).

Clinical Importance of Cord Blood:

Cord blood transplants are used as an alternative to bone marrow transplants in the treatment of hematological diseases (13).

Due to its immunological properties, cord blood has high potential in the treatment of autoimmune and degenerative diseases (14).

Freezing and Storage:

Cryopreservation of cord blood is an effective method for the long-term storage of stem cells, allowing them to be used when needed (15).

Frozen cord blood samples can maintain their biological activities even after years, expanding future treatment options (16).

How is Umbilical Cord Tissue Obtained?

1. Cutting the Umbilical Cord: Immediately after the baby’s birth, the umbilical cord is cut in a sterile manner. This procedure does not cause any discomfort to the baby or the mother.

1. Collection of Cord Blood: A specialized cord blood collection kit is used to collect cord blood. These kits include a bag processed with anticoagulants and a needle. The bag is attached to the end of the cord to collect blood, and the needle is inserted into the cord vessel. Anticoagulants are used to prevent the blood from clotting during the transfer to the bag.

1. Processing Cord Blood: Cord blood is processed in a laboratory environment to separate it in a way that allows the isolation of hematopoietic stem cells. This is typically done using methods such as density-based separation, centrifugation, or immunoselection.

1. Processing Cord Tissue: Pieces of cord tissue are usually separated in a laboratory environment. The isolation of these cells is achieved through methods such as grinding the cord tissue, enzymatic digestion, or mechanical separation. This process facilitates the isolation of mesenchymal stem cells.

1. Cell Cultures and Storage: The obtained stem cells can be used to create cell cultures in a laboratory environment, allowing the cells to proliferate and be stored for further use. Long-term storage is often performed by freezing the cells in liquid nitrogen at -196°C.