Stem cell research
Stem Cell Research
Stem cells comprise natural in the human body capable of differentiating into different specialized cells (Cummings, 2009). These cells are also capable of self-renewal whereby they reproduce into more stem cells. Mammals produce two types; adult and embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are harvested from the inner cell mass of embryos in the blastocyst stage. Embryo cells differentiate into all the organs and tissues that form the human body. Adult stem cells are present in various tissues within the body (Cummings, 2009). These cells are responsible for body repairs and replenishment.
Stem cell research is the study of these remarkable cells including the methods used in developing treatments, which current medical treatments have failed. Great levels of success have been achieved especially with adult stem cells. They have successfully been used to treat extensive tissue damage from physical trauma. Embryonic stem cells have not been used in any approved treatments. This is because there are great controversies surrounding the use these cells. Compared to adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells have the greatest ability differentiate. Theoretically, embryonic stem cells are capable of growing into any of the 220 cells found in the human body therefore providing a great opportunity for medical use (Cummings, 2009).
The issues surrounding stem cell research have to do with the methods currently being used to harvest embryonic stem cells. Embryos have to be destroyed in order to get these cells. Pro-life activists argue that this amounts to murder since embryos represent the beginning of life. Those supporting the continuation of the research say that more embryos are destroyed naturally and in in-vitro fertilization clinics than are lost during the studies. These two factions are engaged in an unending debate over the ethicality of stem cell research and especially the ones harvested from embryos.
The proponents of stem cell research that uses human embryos are spurred by the great potential these cells have. Success this research has the possibility of dramatically altering the treatment of various diseases long thought to be incurable. Debilitating diseases and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and even burns could be cured. The technology is promising and capable of producing groundbreaking treatments as long as it is conducted ethically.
The argument for embryonic stem cell research is supported by the fact that embryos are not capable of surviving outside the womb and can therefore not be equated to human life. They also argue that up to one third of zygotes fail to implant and die naturally during conception. Many more embryos are lost naturally than in the laboratory. In the United States, in vitro fertilization clinics have over 400,000 embryos, which are scheduled for destruction. Using these embryos for research would utilize this resource better.
Embryonic stem cell research is supported by many because of the superiority of these cells. They replicate much faster than adult stem cells. They also have greater plasticity. This means that they can be used to treat an expansive range of ailments when compared to adult stem cells. This is because unlike adult stem cells, they do not have genetic defects or environmental toxicity that may be present in adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells make a significant population in embryos while there are only about 1 in every 1000 cell available in the bone marrow (Cummings, 2009).
The opponents of embryonic stem cell research are fuelled by the belief that there are better approaches to stem cell research, which will not require the destruction of embryos. Pro-life activist and adult stem cell researchers argue that only adult stem cell research has produced promising results and currently, it is being used in treatment. This group argues that if fewer funds are channeled towards embryonic research, more advances will be made in adult stem cell research. Current adult stem cell research is focused on making adult stem cells more like embryonic stem cells. This has been done by developing adult stem cells into embryos and integrating them into mouse tissues where they acquire the analogous qualities of embryonic stem cells.
Embryonic stem cell research is currently privately funded. Major research is being conducted by private biotechnology laboratories and universities. Concern groups claim that this gives these organizations a window to violate many rules and ethics on research (Wall, 2008). This is especially because of the great business opportunity a breakthrough in embryonic stem cell research could present. These companies and individuals stand to benefit from their research by patenting their findings. Without proper monitoring, it is possible that researchers could be illegally developing stem cell lines to continue their research.
Conclusion
There is no denying that stem cell research is probably one of the most promising medical treatments of the future. Adult stem cell research has developed some effective treatments that are currently in use in present medical practices. Embryonic stem cell research has not come up with any known treatments, but it is believed that a breakthrough will mark a new age in medicine. To pacify the prolife activists, embryonic stem cell researchers are currently working to develop harvesting methods that will not involve destroying embryos. This will allow them to get the much needed public support and approval, which will allow them to continue with their research.
References
Cummings, J. (2009). "Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research", Reference Reviews,
23 (8): 41 - 42
Wall, T. F. (2008). Thinking Critically about Moral Problems. Wadsworth: Cengage
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