Stem Cell Research

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Ethics and Stem Cell Research4

Discussion and Analysis5

Extraction of Stem Cell6

Challenges in the clinical use of stem cells as replacement7

Organ and Tissue Regeneration9

Brain disease treatment10

Cell deficiency therapy10

Blood disease treatments10

Other Clinical Applications12

Disease modifiers12

Drugs targeting endogenous stem cells13

Disease models14

Conclusion16

Summary and Recommendations17

References20

Stem Cell Research

Introduction

Stem cells are unique cells capable of differentiating into specialized cell types when required. Stem cells aid in the healing process of injuries by regenerating the lost areas of the body. Broken bones, ripped muscles, cut or scratched skin and other possible damages are covered with stem cells of the body. They regenerate forming into the specialized cells (muscle cells, bone cells, blood cells, skin cells, etc.) to make up for the loss. Stem cells are further categorized in terms of their sources; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a four to five days old human embryo, which further divide and specialize to form different parts organs and other body structures. Adult stem cells, or somatic stem cells, are found within different types of tissues. These remain in a dormant state for years until stimulated by a disease or injury.

Stem cells have enormous potential that is well recognized by the public, and are a source of hope for those dealing with otherwise untreatable medical problems. However, the field is in its infancy and progress is painstaking; for those desperate to get help, unproven therapies even outside of reputable centers or clinical trial are a highly tempting option. The potential for patient exploitation raises another extremely challenging area. There has been a profusion of centers in many parts of the world, often offering treatment without clear definition of what cells would be used, what the source of cells is, and what the full experience has been. Services are often offered for cash payment and with unclear provisions to monitor safety or respond to adverse events. Patients and providers should ask a range of specific questions about such therapies. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has provided such suggested questions and other information that may be of use 

Ethics and Stem Cell Research

The best way of identifying stem cells is still to be discovered, however, tests are mostly based on determining the self-renewal capabilities of stem cells. All tests are conducted in laboratories under controlled environment. One way of identifying stem cells in a laboratory is by transplanting a single cell to see whether the cell specializes as per the body requirements or not. However, researchers may also use a microscope to see if the stem cells are undifferentiated and healthy. Moreover, examining the chromosomes also yields the same results. Hypertension that occurs in preeclampsia is caused by increased peripheral vascular resistance. Cardiac output is usually lower than in normotensive pregnancy. A reduction in GFR of 50% serum creatinine doubled. The increased vascular permeability to proteins may be secondary to injury of endothelial cells of undetermined cause (Boston 2008, 20).

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