Stem cells for obstetricians and gynecologists

Stem cells are a subject of immense research interest, and may in the not too far future provide the basis for a number of new therapies aimed at substituting damaged or lacking cells, tissues, and even organs. A number of stem cell types have been identified, including embryonal stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells, and bone marrow stem cells. Two of the most promising stem cell types, embryonal stem cells and umbilical cord blood stem cells, are obtained from sources within the field of gynecology and obstetrics, namely fertility clinics performing in-vitro fertilization, and labor wards, respectively. This review focuses on the biological potentials of stem cells with a primarily gynaecological-obstetrical perspective. It is not the aim of this review to discuss the many important ethical aspects of stem cell technologies.