Recently, stem cell biology has become an interesting topic. Several varieties of human stem cells have been isolated and identified in vivo and in vitro. Successful application of hematopoietic stem cells in hematology has led to the search for other sources of stem cells and expanding the scale of their application. Perinatal stem cells are a versatile cell population, and they are interesting for both scientific and practical objectives. Stem cells from perinatal tissue may be particularly useful in the clinic for autologous transplantation for fetuses and newborns, and after banking in later stages of life, as well as for in utero transplantation in the case of genetic disorders. In this review paper we focus on the extraction and therapeutic potential of stem cells derived from perinatal tissues such as the placenta, the amnion, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood and Wharton's jelly.

Mammals milk, in addition to nutrients, contains many biologically active substances including immunoglobulins, growth factors, cytokines, acute phase proteins, and antimicrobial and antiviral proteins. Thanks to its unique composition, for hundreds of years it is used in post-natal care, treatment of wounds, as well as to fight bacterial and viral infections. The discovery of stem cells and HAMLET complex in breast milk resulted in increased interest in human breast milk as a natural medicine. Milk therapy is devoid of side effects, and breast milk banks may serve as a potential source of milk as a drug substance. In this study we collected information about the possible non-nutritional use of breast milk.

leko kobiece jako naturalny produkt leczniczy Breast milk as a medicinal product STRESZCZENIE Mleko kobiece jest substancją, która stanowi podstawę żywienia człowieka na początkowym etapie jego rozwoju. Dzięki unikalnej kompozycji, od setek lat jest także wykorzystywane w leczeniu ran, walce z zakażeniami bakteryjnymi i wirusowymi, a obecnie również we wspomaganiu terapii chorób nowotworowych. Odkrycie komórek macierzystych i kompleksu HAMLET w mleku kobiecym zwiększa możliwości jego zastosowania w leczeniu chorób z dotychczas złym rokowaniem. W niniejszej pracy zebrano i usystematyzowano informacje o składzie i właściwościach mleka kobiecego mających znaczenie dla jego zastosowania jako naturalnego produktu leczniczego. Podsumowano także aktualne informacje dotyczące funkcjonowania banków mleka kobiecego i rozwoju laktotechnologii w Polsce i na świecie.Problemy Pielęgniarstwa 2015; 23 (3): 417-422 Słowa kluczowe: mleko kobiece; komórki macierzyste; laktotechnologia; laktoferyna; banki mleka ABSTRACT Breast milk is a substance that is the basis of nutrition at the initial stage of human development. Its unique composition allows also to use it in wound healing, treatment of bacterial and viral infections, and in supporting therapy of cancer. The discovery of stem cells and HAMLET complex in human milk provided a rationale to use it in the treatment of diseases with severe prognosis. In this study we collected and systematized information on the composition and properties of breast milk which are relevant to its use as a natural medicinal product. This paper also summarizes current information about human milk banks and development of lactotechnology in Poland and in the rest of the world.Nursing Topics 2015; 23 (3): 417-422