Authors: Bartmann AK, Naccarato CQ, Marins M
Introduction: Stem cells, by definition, have characteristics of self-renewal and cellular specialization in different tissues. In medicine, it is used with great importance mainly in the area of tissue regeneration. Since its discovery, in the bone marrow in 1960, other sources have also been determined, such as adipose tissue and muscle tissue. More recently, endometrial stem cells have been found from menstrual blood, an easily obtainable and non-invasive source.
Objectives: To perform a bibliographic review in order to analyze the use of menstrual blood as a source of stem cells, evaluating ways to obtain and preserve them, and their regenerative capacity.
Methods: Articles about menstrual stem cells were searched in the databases: MEDLINE, LI-LACS, Cochrane, JAMA, CAPES, PubMed and SciELO.
Results and Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that menstrual blood is a viable and non-invasive source of stem cells, but it's still not so much used, requiring further research to consolidate protocols that define parameters for obtaining and culturing it, so that later they can be used in regenerative medicine.
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