Martha Pawelek(Edison)- Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research has been existent for several years now, but recently we have changed our tactics.  In the beginning of stem cell research we were using embryonic cells, which were derived from eggs that women donated. These eggs were donated to a stem cell lab and were available, for research by the consent of the donors. The embryonic cells are obtained from embryos that develop from the eggs that have been fertilized in a stem cell lab.  These cells are never fertilized in the women’s body. The embryos are usually four or five days old, were they now have developed into embryonic stem cells in the form of a hollow microscopic bundle of cells. These stem cells are then extracted from the embryos and killed for testing. This strategy of deriving stem cells was funded by the government for some time, until people realized and proclaimed that it was immoral. Because the embryo was a form of human life, and in order to use it for scientific research it had to be killed first, people thought it was unacceptable. After that the government funding had been put to a halt for stem cell research; although, there are now alternatives to acquire these cells.  The alternatives are humane and do not include killing an embryo. Since there are humane ways to research these stem cells to improve, or cure some diseases we should put it into service. Some examples of the diseases that could be improved in their treatment by stem cells are Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even some types of cancer. However scientists need money in order to continue with their work, which is why one should think of funding, for stem cell research.

            One of the new alternatives for acquiring stem cells is by cord blood. Cord blood is located in umbilical cord; this cord is what binds the mother with her new born baby at birth. The cord blood that is in the umbilical cord is usually thrown away along with the placenta in the emergency room as medical waste.  As stated in the article “PerkinElmer Establishes Viacord Research Institute ™ to Further Cord Blood Stem Cell Advancements” these cords should not be put to waste because,Cord Blood is a valuable, non-controversial source of stem cells with proven effect in treating more than 70 serious diseases, including many cancers and immunodeficiencies. To date, more than 10,000 cord blood transplants have been performed worldwide. In the future medical use of cord blood stem cells may be expanded to include treatment of cardiac disease, autoimmune diseases or neurological disorders (par.2).  This is why if one is to give birth soon, they should store their babies cord blood in a cord blood bank, so it may be used in case of an unexpected health condition.            Another way of getting stem cells is by human “parthenogenetic” stem cells (“International”, par.3). These stem cells are made from unfertilized human eggs, and do not engage in the slaying of fertilized embryos, yet still share the same qualities as conventional human embryonic stem cells and their ability to change into all tissue types. International Stem Cell Corporation scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will not be immune rejected after transplantation into millions of individuals of different sexes, ages and racial groups (“international”, par.7). These types of stem cells are said to treat immune deficiency disorders and other related diseases that could not have been treated before.            Just last year a brand new method of getting stem cells was introduced by James Thomson “… that human adult skin cells can be reprogrammed into cells just as potent as embryonic stem cells, with no embryos harmed”(Langreth, par.3). With this new method we can eliminate all unethical proposes people have made in the past and continue with research. We should study these skin cells; moreover, because we have the technology and we know that these cells might have the solution to a brighter future of health. As Thomson says “It may be decades before an injection of neurons grown from embryonic stem cells will be able to repair a damaged spine” (Langreth, par.4). “But … ‘These cells suddenly give us access to all the bits of the human body we’ve never had access to,’” which will give us the chance to explore these cells more thoroughly, so we can modify them to cure diseases (Langreth, par.4).            Through stem cell research and analysis, there can be a tremendous improvement in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, some types of cancer, and many other diseases. In addition to treating diseases there also might be a capability in the future of repairing damages cells. These damaged cells might have been cause by, for example; a heart attack. As summarized in the article “New source of heart stem cells found: study.” they say that we are able to use the cells that are located on the outside of our heart and use them to repair the damaged cells (par.2). “Pu and colleagues showed that the cells from the heart’s outer lining, called the epicardium, can not only metamorphose into cardiomyocytes but also into smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, which line the interior of blood vessels, and fibroblasts, found in connective tissue”(“New”, par.10).  “‘If you are going to regenerate tissue, you need to regenerate the whole tissue, not just the cardiomyocytes,’ Pu said in a statement (“New”, par.11).The funny thing about this discovery is that it was discovered by a accidental observation.            To be able to research stem cells scientists need funds from the government to support them; however, their funds got cut off couple of years ago because the cells that they were using were found in aborted fetal tissue. But now there are new places where stem cells can be found, or even created. These new stem cells that have been discovered can be used in the same research centers, and they have the same benefits as embryonic cells had. The benefit of these discoveries is that there can no longer be an excuse for not using these cells for improving health conditions. If we support these researchers, and help them get funds from the government these projects, one day might save our lives. This is why our future health depends on stem cell research.

Works Cited“International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Collaboration with Michigan State University to Study Parthenogenetic Stem Cells.”Business Wire (08 July 2008). Health & Wellness Resource Center. LINCC. Rush Library, Fort Myers, FL. 10 July 2008 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/>.Langreth, Robert and Matthew Herper “Stem Cells Get Real.” Forbes Global. (June 16, 2008) Vol.4. i11.62. Health & Wellness Resource Center. LINCC. Rush Library, Fort Myers, FL. 11 July 2008 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/>.“New source of heart stem cells found: study.”Africa Wire- Sudan (22 June 2008). Health & Wellness Resource Center. LINCC. Rush Library, Fort Myers, FL. 10 July 2008 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/>. “PerkinElmer Establishes Viacord Research Institute™ to Further Cord Blood Stem Cell Advancements.”Business Wire (03 July 2008). Health & Wellness Resource Center. LINCC. Rush Library, Fort Myers, FL. 10 July 2008 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/>.

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