Stem Cells of the Endometrium: A Leap towards Regenerative Medicine

Stem cells in recent years have configured regenerative medicine with their wide range of therapeutic potentials. This revolutionary change has increased the demand of stem cells for myriad of diseases. Their ability to treat many diseases rests on their unique properties of self renewal and differentiation. Stem cells and its therapeutic implications from maternal sources such as Placenta [1], amniotic fluid [2,3], amniotic membrane [4], menstrual blood [5], endometrial tissue [6-8], fallopian tube [9], and even breast milk [8,10] are underway and has been a fascinating area of research in recent years. Research on maternal sources of stem cells is most important to target the major health challenges facing women and children around the world. Despite the existence of other maternal sources, uterus being the largest female reproductive organ gains much attention as a potential source for stem cells. Based on the dynamic tissue remodelling in all compartments of the uterus, during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, it has been suggested that adult stem cells of the endometrium must play a role in uterine tissue maintenance and function and marked by its high self renewal ad regenerative potential [6,11]. In addition, it has been postulated that abnormalities of these stem cells forms the basis for a wide range of gynaecological disorders [12]. Thus, it is essential to identify the inherent property of these stem cells for regenerative medicine and determine their possible roles in causing gynaecologic diseases, thereby considering them as a possible therapeutic target for curative therapeutics. Endometrial Stem Cells