Editorial Stem Cell Medicine- 2006

Human body is a perfect machine, which ispreprogrammed to expire automatically, probably because it also has the unique property of reproducing a new one which can replace it. During the lifetime it faces wear and tear which needs to be repaired. For that purpose human being is gifted with stem cells which persist even during adult life and are capable of regenerating tissue loss e.g. epithelial cells on the skin, and lining gastrointestinal tract, various component of blood cells are replaced continuously. A new branch of medicine called Regenerative Medicine has now emerged and it is thought that cell based therapy will soon replace pharmacotherapy. Regenerative medicine will result in extended healthy lifespans, as we will be able to repair some of the damage caused by aging, organ by organ. Aging damages every part of our bodies, however- including our stem cells! Until we can address the root causes of age-related degeneration, we must learn how t