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?
Why should I store umbilical cord tissue?
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.
What are the main characteristics of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells?
What is the potential use of Mesenchymal Cells?
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).
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
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).
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.