Menstrual blood is potential source of stem cells

Scientists have made an interesting discovery: menstrual blood can be a source of stem cells.

Photo: Menstrual blood is potential source of stem cells

It turned out that the endometrial lining of the uterus contains stromal stem cells, and during a woman's monthly period these cells are secreted.

Stem cells can be grown and transformed into any other cells to create new fat, cartilage, bone, skin, heart and brain cells.

Now in addition to embryonic and adult stem cells scientist can rely upon menstrual blood. They can quite easily collect these menstrual blood stromal cells and use them in transplants.

The study showed that menstrual blood stromal cells reveal stem cell properties, such as the capacity for self-renewal and multipotency. They showed slower division potential than embryonic stem cells but have evident advantage over bone-marrow cells.

The issue requires further research and trials to show the full potential of menstrual blood stromal cells.