Umbilical cord stem cell therapy could be a game changer in UAE healthcare, but policy changes are needed to harness the benefits
Umbilical cords are being reevaluated as a vital resource for regenerative medicine. Rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), umbilical cords could offer solutions for treating chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions鈥攄iseases affecting a significant portion of the UAE population.听听
Joaquin Villarreal Barragan, PhD candidate at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, Khalifa University, has published a paper with Dr. Mira Mousa , under the supervision of听 Dr. Nupur Kohli, advocating for policy reform to facilitate the collection, storage and use of otherwise discarded, umbilical cords. Villarreal Barragan says that by addressing regulatory barriers and implementing standardized protocols, hospitals in the UAE can not only contribute to advancements in regenerative medicine but also solidify the nation鈥檚 position as a leader in this emerging field, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the disease burden both locally and regionally. The team published their work in .
Umbilical cords contain a variety of cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells MSCs) and secretome-rich cells derived from Wharton鈥檚 Jelly, the mucous tissue within the cord. MSCs are multipotent, meaning they can transform into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, fat, and even neurons. This flexibility makes them invaluable for treating conditions ranging from spinal cord injuries to autoimmune disorders.听
鈥淯mbilical cords are not just biological waste; they are a resource brimming with untapped therapeutic potential. By harnessing these, we can redefine healthcare in the UAE and beyond.鈥�
鈥� Joaquin Villarreal Barragan, PhD Student, Khalifa U
The UAE faces a high prevalence of chronic diseases: Approximately 17.3 percent of the population lives with type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality. Clinical trials with MSCs have shown promise in addressing these conditions. They can regenerate insulin-producing beta cells, offering potential treatment for diabetes, and their immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties help repair damaged heart tissue and improve vascular health.
Countries including Spain and the UK have successfully implemented national umbilical cord banking systems. In contrast, while private cord blood banking services exist in the UAE, their private models limit accessibility and are underutilized due to low public awareness.
Villareal Barragan says the UAE must adopt a multifaceted approach to capitalize on the therapeutic potential of umbilical cords: 鈥淎 government-backed facility like a National Umbilical Cord Bank could handle the collection, processing and storage of umbilical cords, ensuring equitable access to MSCs for research and clinical use. Integrating cord collection into prenatal and delivery care would ensure a steady supply, and educating expectant parents about the benefits of umbilical cord donation is crucial. Simplifying approval process for stem cell therapies and aligning with international guidelines would accelerate the adoption of these treatments.鈥�
Adopting these reforms could position the UAE as a leader in regenerative medicine. By transforming waste into a resource, the UAE could lead the charge in tackling chronic diseases and advancing global health.
鈥淭his cutting-edge research not only underscores the pioneering role our university plays in advancing scientific innovation but also aligns with the UAE鈥檚 ambitious vision to reshape healthcare and drive sustainable medical solutions,鈥� Dr. Nupur Kohli, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical engineering and Biotechnology, and the Principal Investigator, said. 鈥淭his work explores the transformative potential of repurposing biological waste鈥攕pecifically umbilical cord tissue鈥攁s a powerful resource for stem cell therapy. It offers innovative solutions that could revolutionize healthcare treatments in the UAE, contributing to both local and global efforts to improve regenerative medicine. It 星空传媒 Khalifa University鈥檚 commitment to driving scientific research that directly addresses the nation鈥檚 most pressing health challenges.鈥�
Jade Sterling听
Science Writer
