How do you feel when you watch your older family and friends plagued by degenerative diseases; Do you wish you could end their suffering or do more for them? Regenerative medicine might be the path that renews life and vigor in those we love. Stem cell research repairs and promotes the regeneration of tissue and organs in a microbiological realm. As the scientific community continues to develop this regenerative medicine, they hope to replace damaged and aged tissue with immune therapy (Stoltz, 2019).
Adult stem cells can self-renew, differentiate, and transcribe for gene accessibility. Adult stem cells have been used to remodel disease and develop drugs (Pramanik, et al., 2017).
Zhang et al. (2017) focus on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) removed from bone marrow, which has shown promise in the neurologic field of medicine used in animal models to repair damage from strokes.
Stem cell research has improved heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s, and genetic defects. Cells derived from a patient’s stem cells could produce their needed organ for a transplant with little risk of organ rejection (Health Articles 101., n.d.).
Health Articles 101., (n.d.). highlight the controversy of those who oppose stem cell research. For the opposers, many have deep religious ties to their anti-stem cell stance. They believe stem cell manipulation takes on a God-like approach that carries moral and ethical dilemmas and consequences. Another argument against stem cells is the idea that we are cloning humans. Many stem cells come from fertilized eggs in the laboratory that is denied the chance of becoming human (Health Articles 101., n.d.).
What is the price of longevity to you? Do you feel we are playing God, or have we tapped into one of the most significant resources for healing? As more research develops, ethical dilemmas will be crossed and examined. What side of stem cell technology will you be on?
References:
Health Articles 101. (n.d.). Stem Cells Controversy. Healtharticles101.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://healtharticles101.com/stem-cells-controversy/#:~:text=Both%20sides%20of%20the%20stem%20cells%20controversy%20are
Pramanik, S., Sulistio, Y. A., & Heese, K. (2017). Neurotrophin signaling and stem cells—implications for neurodegenerative diseases and stem cell therapy. Molecular Neurobiology, 54(9), 7401–7459. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-016-0214-7
Stoltz, J.F., (2019). Stem cells and regenerative medicine: proceedings of the 8th International China-Europe, Wuhan, China, June 2018 (Stoltz, Ed.). IOS Press.
Zhang, Z., Buller, B., & Chopp, M. (2019). Exosomes - beyond stem cells for restorative therapy in stroke and neurological injury. Nature reviews. Neurology, 15(4), 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-018-0126-4
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Could Stem Cells be the Miracle We are Looking For
by Stephanie Daich
