Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells which can differentiate into multiple cell types. MSCs can be isolated from the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue, muscle, and dental pulp. However, the use of these MSCs involves a number of barriers. Human umbilical cord is limited to collection at birth. Bone marrow and fat biopsy are painful and requires general anesthesia. If only there was an easily obtainable method to collect these MSCs, like maybe even once a month, collectable in a little cup, without biopsy. WHAT… use menstrual blood you say?! Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) were first described by Meng et al. in 2007, as a novel source of MSCs. Most of the MenSC are produced by the endometrium. With the potential of multi-directional differentiation, this has spurred a list of preclinical and animal studies looking into the collection of menstrual blood for MSC processing. Men SCs have been investigated for use in Alzheimer’s disease, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, Type I DM, wound healing, endometriosis therapy, infertility, and even Muscular Dystrophy. Is there a miracle med in menses? Listen in for details.
