Biomedical Research Foundation Academy Of AthensAcademy Of Athens
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Bank

CELLULAR THERAPIES-IMMUNOGENETICS
Cellular therapies with non-haematopoietic cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cell Bank

Stem Cells, SCs, found in almost all multicellular organisms, are the latest potential source of new therapies for treating diseases that have not yet had any therapeutic approach until now. An important category in this field are the Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) or bone marrow stromal cells.

The ability to isolate and expand mesenchymal cells from bone marrow, umbilical vein, Wharton's jelly, and fat was the motivation for the creation of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Bank by the Biomedical Research Foundation of Academy of Athens.

What are Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)?

What are the main characteristics of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells?

What is the potential use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

What possibilities are available at BRFAA today regarding cell therapies with non-haematopoietic stem cells?

Why should I store umbilical cord tissue?

How can I get information about the storage of umbilical cord tissue and obtain the necessary collection kit?

How and when can the collected biological sample be delivered to the bank?

 


What are Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)?

"Mesenchymal multipotent progenitor cells" are multipotent non-hematopoietic stem cells, that are capable of differentiating into osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes, tenocytes, myocytes and astrocytes. Additionally, these cells provide hematopoietic progenitor cells with the necessary substrate (stroma) for their renewal and differentiation. Mesenchymal cells could be isolated from bone marrow, fat tissue and with great success from the umbilical cord.

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What are the main characteristics of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells?

  • Can be easily isolated from the umbilical cord Wharton Jelly.
  • Can be cultivated in the laboratory so as to increase their number, which is a comparative advantage even with hematopoietic cells, whose cultivation in the lab is difficult.
  • Isolation and cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton Jelly is easy and quick.
  • They can be cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen.  After thawing, they can retain their ability to cultivate, as well as their ability to differentiate into various other cell populations.
  • The ability to multiply in the laboratory is a comparative advantage over hematopoietic cells, while in the hands of researchers it is a valuable "raw material" for further research.
  • They may have anti-inflammatory effect while also contributing to the regeneration of tissues.

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What is the potential use of Mesenchymal Cells?

  1. Regenerative tissue treatment, such as cartilage regeneration in post-traumatic lesions.
  2. Treatment of degenerative or inflammatory diseases

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What possibilities are available at BRFAA regarding cell therapies with non-haematopoietic cells?
Personal-family storage of umbilical cord tissue for future isolation of mesenchymal cells, if required by the treating physician. Isolation and development of mesenchymal stem cells from sources such as Bone Marrow and Fat (fat tissue or liposuction). All samples are processed in Clean Rooms following the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMPs).

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Why should I store umbilical cord tissue?
There is a high content of mesenchymal stem cells within umbilical cord tissue, which could be tentatively used in the future to treat serious diseases and illnesses

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How can I get information about the storage of umbilical cord tissue and obtain the necessary collection kit?
The collection kit includes only one vial that you will receive from the informative seminar along with a contract (in duplicate).

For residents within Attica:
Seminars are being held on the ground floor of the BRFAA without appointment every Wednesday afternoon at 16:00.
Umbilical Cord Blood Collection kit can be provided after the 24th week of pregnancy following a private interview with the donor-mother. For this reason, you are advised to arrive at the seminar room 20 minutes earlier than the starting time of seminar. In the event that the donor mother cannot be present, then only the SPOUSE may receive the collection kit

For residents outside Attica:
An informative presentation could be held over the telephone and the collection kit along with the necessary documents be sent to you, at your own expense. The Hellenic Umbilical Cord Blood Bank provides the possibility of online information also (http://hcbb.bioacademy.gr/diadiktiaki-enimerosi).

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How and when can the collected biological sample be delivered to the bank?
The delivery of the vial and the umbilical cord tissue should occur before 72 hours following birth. Otherwise, the biological material may not be accepted.
If delivery is not immediate (immediately after birth), it should be stored in a refrigerator (not below 4 ° C).

The contract accompanying the sample should be completed in duplicate. After proof of payment, parents shall receive: The signed contract, proof of payment and certification of cryo-freezing of their child's umbilical cord tissue.

Sample can be received Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:00, and weekends and Holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 at IBET.

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