StemCell Therapy

The topic may be fraught with questions and misconceptions, but its important to discuss the pros and cons ofstem cell therapy. Why are some people against stem cell research? What are the possible benefits of stem cell therapy in the field of regenerative treatment? When balancing an ethical debate, its important to weigh facts.

There have been some controversies surrounding the procedures involved in stem cell therapy. However, most of the criticism surrounding this research is related to human embryonic stem cells: the ethical questionability of acquisition, and the surrounding issues about donation consent.

Embryonic stem cells (ES) have important qualities for a successful stem cell therapy: pluripotency, unlimited capability for self-renewal, and a huge potential when it comes to the field of transplantation and tissue engineering. However, embryonic cells are acquired from the inner mass of cells of a blastocyst: an early-stage, pre-implantation human embryo. The controversy then is the isolation of the ES and how it results in the destruction of human embryos. Some people see the destruction of the blastocysts as equal to the destruction of an unborn human life, while others argue that the embryo is not exactly a human being yet.

Stem cell research is a relatively new field: the first occurrence of the term stem cell in scientific literature was in 1868, when Ernst Haeckel, a German biologist used it to describe the fertilized egg that eventually becomes an organism. In 2001, President George W. Bush signed an order authorizing the use of federal funding for a limited number of cell lines. Additionally, as with any new technology or research field, the long-term effects of stem cell therapy has not yet been examined.

Multipotency is one of the most important characteristics of stem cells to be effective in treatment. On the other hand, adult stem cells, which are non-embryonic stem cells, carry the risk of unipotency. Therefore the adult cells could be pre-specialized, and create only particular progeny. Neural stem cells run the risk of producing only brain cells, greatly limiting the regenerative potential for patients with Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.

In spite of the cons, stem cell research is a more than a promising field of medical research. Its being eyed as a possible solution for diseases that are currently incurable. This is due to the fact that stem cell transplants and research explores one foundational human interest: the human bodys amazing capability to repair and heal itself.

Stem cell research is a powerhouse in the fields of therapeutic cloning, regenerative medicine, drug development/testing, and organ development and transplant. It will also shed light on previously unexamined aspects of early human development. All of which can potentially help in the prevention of birth defects, infertility, and miscarriages. Stem cell research will bring forth an era of enlightenment in terms of human growth.

Stem cell research will usher in a brand new understanding of human physiological functions, resulting in a surge of medical advancements. It could also introduce prevention and/or cure for degenerative diseases. Some of the diseases which may be reversible through advancements in the field of stem cell research include:

Adult stem cells hold the key to the bodys self-repair mechanism. Adult cells are mesenchymal stem cells and pluripotent stem cells which have advanced the use of stem cell therapy to reverse aging. Additionally, through the repair or replacement of worn organs, the length and quality of human life have the chance to improve.

Here are some of the advancements by scientists in the field of stem cell research, delivered by Wall Street Journal!

Stem cell research has been through a number of debates and assessments based on the pros and cons of stem cell therapy. However, this hasnt stopped scientists to research its potential. Whatever your stance may be when it comes to stem cell research, its important to consider the possibilities this research holds. Find the nearest research center or laboratory and ask around for more information!

Do you have questions about stem cell research? Whats your stance on embryonic stem cell research? Share your thoughts in the comments box below!

Up Next:Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Pros and Cons

Editors Note This post was originally published on November 2, 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Pros And Cons of Stem Cell Therapy

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Pros And Cons of Stem Cell Therapy | Stem Cell Researchers

This entry was posted on May 12, 2019 at 11:47 pm and is filed under Stem Cell Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |