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Review
. 2018 Oct;74(4):313-320.
doi: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2018.03.005. Epub 2018 May 24.

Prospective applications of induced pluripotent stem cells in military medicine

Bitan Saha  1 , H Krishna Kumar  1 , Manash P Borgohain  1 , Rajkumar P Thummer  1
Affiliations
Review

Prospective applications of induced pluripotent stem cells in military medicine

Bitan Saha et al. Med J Armed Forces India. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Soldiers involved in combat operations worldwide may be subjected to a wide array of tissue-specific injuries of varying degrees, thereby undergoing complicated medical treatments and prolonged rehabilitations. In many cases involving inadequate recovery, soldiers are further mentally traumatized as they can no longer serve their beloved country. In addition, many severe injuries can lead to soldiers being incapacitated for life and unable to perform even the most basic day-to-day activities. Present therapy for combat injuries is majorly aimed at alleviating pain and limiting further tissue damage from secondary infections. Cell-based therapy using stem cells is a promising tissue regenerative source, which will help our soldiers to recuperate from the severe injuries, and in some cases, even continue their service for the country after complete recovery. In this context, we would like to discuss the yet fully untapped potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in regenerative medicine on the battlefield. In this review, we shall try to explore the rationale behind the use of these cells for military medicine, as well as the conventional and novel approaches to produce them for therapeutic applications. We shall also attempt to elucidate the evolving trends of battlefield injuries throughout history and the ongoing research on regeneration of tissues of specific interest using iPSCs and their potential role in combat medicine in the future. Additionally, we shall also discuss the concept of stem cell bio-banking for military personnel as a personalized safeguard against crippling and traumatic combat injuries.

Keywords: Cell- and tissue-based therapy; Cellular reprogramming; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Military medicine.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
In vitro differentiation of iPSCs into all three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm (few cell types are represented for each of this germ layer).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Most widely investigated stem cells and their derivation (embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
An overview of the pros and cons of the three major types of stem cells.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Flowchart for the process of iPSC bio-banking for military personnel.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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