Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
ulcerative colitis, fecal incontinence or celiac disease. If the preliminary results are
confirmed, we think that this therapy may become a clinical reality in the near future. In
this chapter, we summarize Stem Cells potential benefits, the current experience and
the future perspectives in gastrointestinal system diseases.
Abbreviations
SCs
Stem Cells
ESCs
Embryonic Stem Cells
ASs
Adult Stem cells
iPS
Induced Pluripotent Stem
BM-MSCs
Bone Marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
MAPCS
Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells
ASCs
Adipose derived Stem Cells
HSCs
Hematopoietic Stem Cells
GISCs
GastroIntestinal Stem Cells
LPCs
Liver Progenitor Cells
EPCs
Endothelial Progenitor Cells
CBC
Cript Base Columnar cells
BMSC
Bone Marrow Stem Cells
CDAI
Crohn's Disease Activity Index
IBDQ
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire
BM-MNCs
Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells
SVF
Stromal Vascular Fraction from lipoaspirate
PDSCs
Placental Derived Stem Cells
U-MSCs
Umbilical derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
In this chapter, we analyze the potential benefits, state-of-the-art and future
perspectives regarding stem cell therapy for gastrointestinal system excluding liver
diseases and diabetes, both treated in another chapters.
12.1 General Considerations about Gastrointestinal System
12.1.1 Anatomic Considerations
Gastrointestinal system comprises a tube or tract and solid contiguous viscera
(hepatobiliary subsystem and exocrine pancreas). Each tract's segment constitutes
a real organ with specific functions and some controlled sphincters separate and
control transferring between them.
Histologically, the wall of hollow viscera is organized into specialized layers.
Mucosa acts as a barrier and as a site for controlled transfer of fluids or nutrients.
