Perinatal stem cells in regenerative medecine and transplantation: current applications and future perspectives

Abstract

Introduction. The preservation of perinatal biological materials - umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, and placental tissue - has become one of the most important developments in modern preventive and regenerative medicine. These tissues represent a unique biological resource rich in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Compared with adult stem cells, perinatal stem cells demonstrate higher proliferative potential, broader differentiation capacity, and lower immunogenicity. Since the first successful umbilical cord blood transplantation in 1988, the clinical field of stem cell transplantation has expanded rapidly. To date, more than 40,000 cord blood transplants have been performed worldwide. Beyond hematological diseases, increasing scientific attention is focused on the role of perinatal stem cells in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and advanced transplantation technologies. Their biological characteristics make them a promising platform for future personalized therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods. This analytical review was conducted using systematic literature searches in major biomedical databases including PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. Key search terms included: umbilical cord blood banking, perinatal stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, regenerative medicine, and tissue transplantation. More than 600 scientific publications were initially identified. Following relevance screening and quality assessment, 12 peer‑reviewed clinical studies and experimental reports were selected for detailed analysis. The review focused on clinically validated therapeutic applications of perinatal stem cells as well as emerging experimental approaches in regenerative transplantation and tissue bioengineering. Results. Hematopoietic stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood are currently used in evidence‑based clinical practice for the treatment of more than 80 diseases, including leukemias, lymphomas, inherited metabolic disorders, and immune deficiencies. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue and placenta demonstrate strong regenerative, anti‑inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. These characteristics make MSCs particularly attractive for regenerative therapeutic strategies. Recent experimental clinical studies suggest potential applications of perinatal stem cells in neurological injuries, including spinal cord trauma, where stem cells may contribute to neuronal repair and functional recovery. In orthopedic and traumatology practice, MSC‑based therapies are increasingly investigated for enhancing tissue regeneration following joint replacement procedures and severe musculoskeletal injuries. At the same time, regenerative medicine is moving toward organ bioengineering. Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center have successfully developed human kidney organoids derived from stem cells that remained stable for up to 34 weeks under laboratory conditions and demonstrated developmental characteristics similar to fetal kidney tissue. Conclusions. Perinatal stem cell banking represents a strategically important biomedical resource capable of expanding the therapeutic potential of modern cell and tissue transplantation. The integration of cryopreserved perinatal stem cells into regenerative medicine, trauma recovery protocols, and organ bioengineering may significantly transform future treatment strategies for severe diseases and complex injuries. As regenerative technologies continue to evolve, access to high‑quality perinatal stem cells is likely to become a decisive factor shaping the future of personalized medicine and transplantation science.