A women’s monthly miracle is the menstrual blood naturally shed during each menstrual cycle. The menstrual cell comes from a woman’s endometrium, or lining of the uterus, derived from her monthly menstrual cycle. It contains a large number of stem cells. Menstrual blood cells are unique, although they have many properties and characteristics similar to both bone marrow and embryonic stem cells; they multiply rapidly and can differentiate into many other types of stem cells such as neural, cardiac, bone, fat, cartilage and possibly others; demonstrating great promise for future use in clinical regenerative medical therapies.
What Is Menstrual Blood Stem Cell Banking?
Menstrual blood stem cell banking is the process of banking of menstrual blood for the purpose of cell therapy. Menstrual blood stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells, which mean that they have the ability to self-renew and also exhibit multi-lineage differentiation into other types such as cardiac, neuron, bone and fat cells.
History
Mumbai, March 8, 2011: Marking the 100th International Women’s Day celebration as a yet another remarkable milestone, Life Cell International, pioneers in stem cell banking, launched Life Cell Femme – Menstrual blood stem cell banking service in India. Actress & Model Lisa Ray unveiled this innovative service at the launch function at Mumbai. LifeCell is the first company offering menstrual blood stem cell banking in India and the launch of this breakthrough technology reinstates LifeCell’s pioneering and leadership positioning in the industry.
Physiology
Until now, menstrual blood has been discarded as unsanitary waste. But now, every month during a woman’s menstrual period the uterine lining – Endometrium is shed along with the extra blood and tissues. This lining of the uterus contains a large number of mesenchymal stem cells and several thousand-fold high concentrations of stem cell growth factors. These cells from the endometrium are unique because they have many properties and characteristics similar to both bone marrow and embryonic stem cells.
List Of Diseases That Can Be Potentially Treated With Menstrual Blood Stem Cells
1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,
2. Cardiac Arrhythmia,
3. Crohn’s Disease,
4. Graft vs Host Disease,
5. Osteoarthritis,
6. Critical Limb Ischemia,
7. Multiple Sclerosis,
8. Atherosclerosis,
9. Heart Disease,
10. Inflammatory Bowel Disease,
11. Parkinson’s Disease,
12. Rheumatoid Arthritis &
13. Alzheimer’s Disease.
Advantages Of Menstrual Blood Stem Cells
1. Higher Potential compared to similar cells from the bone marrow, and hence can potentially be used across a wider range of applications.
2. Higher proliferative properties compared to similar cells from bone marrow, allows them to multiply for longer duration without damages to DNA and hence larger numbers can be obtained on expansion from small initial numbers.
3. Multiple Dosages are possible by obtaining unlimited numbers of purified mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic use for more than once.
4. Painless and harmless procedure allowing simple, easy & convenient collection of menstrual blood.
5. High Patient safety since these cells are well tolerated, with no patient death, no toxicity or any adverse side effects reported thus, holding the potential for a large-scale clinical use.
The Collection Process
1. 1 collection container pre-filled with preservation solution for sending the sample.
2. 2 Gel Packs which should be placed in the freezer upon receipt of the kit until collection of the sample.
3. 1 Menstrual Pod to collect the sample.
4. 4 antiseptic towels to clean the outside of the pod, and clean the vaginal area before inserting and removing the pod.
5. 1 alcohol swab to wipe the inside of the pod.
6. 1 biohazard silver foil bag to put the collection tube after collection.
7. Green card (a form with your personal data and collection details i.e. collection date, time etc).
Remove the gel pack from the kit box and deep-freeze them by placing flat in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Store the kit in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place at a temperature of 22 to 25 degrees centigrade and avoid exposure to excessive temperature or humidity and wait next menstrual period.
The Collection Process
For menstrual blood is painless and hassle-free. The collection can be done at the privacy and convenience of home using a ‘Menstrual Cup’ – a conical shaped medical grade silicon cup which can collect up to 30 ml of menstrual blood. The menstrual cup is a reusable product, approved by US FD and is used as an alternative to the sanitary napkin or tampoon globally.
A cup that is made up of medical grade silicone is inserted into the vagina just like a tampon. It is inserted during the heavy flow day of a woman. The cup gets perfectly fixed in place for about three hours and has the capacity to collect up to 10-20 milliliters blood. The blood is then poured into a container available in the kit. A kit is available in the market, especially for menstrual blood collection.
After Care
1. Once the collection is obtained, transfer it into the collection tube. Ensure that the cap is securely tightened.
2. Gently invert the container to mix the media solution and menstrual fluid.
3. Place the tube with the specimen in the silver foil pouch carefully sealed.
4. Remove the gel packs from the deep freezer and place them in the thermacol box, along with the sealed silver pouch and then complete the green card.
5. Once the sample is ready to be dispatched attach pre-addressed courier bill to the outer Box, inform the pre-appointed courier service immediately for an optimal cell recovery.
6. Ideally, specimens should arrive at the laboratory within 24-48 hours from collection.
Harvesting & Preservation
Once collected the menstrual blood stem cells are dispatched to a laboratory facility for processing. After processing the stem cells are harvested and the menstrual stem cells are frozen in liquid nitrogen storage container for cryogenic preservation at sub-zero minus 196 degree centigrade.
This procedure will enable the stem cells to retain its potency and viability for an indefinite period of time. The stored sample can be retrieved at any point of time with no additional cost.
Preserving menstrual blood ensures that the family will have a source of stem cells that is an exact match, with almost no risk of rejection, if need arises for medical treatment.
Conclusion
“Preserving menstrual blood at an early age is a unique opportunity to secure your future. Decide to bank your menstrual blood today for a healthy future.”
