Almost all stem cell medical benefits have been derived from a technology that has until now, been mostly ignored: adult stem cells. According to The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics in a report released July 19, 2005, adult stem cells have benefited patients with over 65 types of diseases and conditions.
The Korea Times reported November 26, 2004 in the article "“Korean Scientists Succeed in Stem Cell Therapy"” that a spinal cord patient is now walking for the first time in 19 years. A team of Korean scientists headed by Dr. Song Chang-hun transplanted stem cells from umbilical cord blood to a 37-year-old female patient. The patient'’s lower limbs were paralyzed after an accident in 1985 damaged her lower back and hips. Afterward she spent her life in bed or in a wheelchair. However, after 25 days of stem cell treatment she can now walk on her own.
Embryo stem cells are very potent, but also very unstable. Maureen L. Condic, who is an Assistant Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Utah, explains that, "“there are profound immunological issues associated with putting cells derived from one human being into the body of another. The same compromises and complications associated with organ transplant hold true for embryonic stem cells."” In her article, "“The Basics About Stem Cells"” published in First Things journal, she also points out that, "“Even in very small numbers, embryonic stem cells produce teratomas, rapid growing and frequently lethal tumors."
On the other hand, when scientists and doctors use adult stem cells they simply assist and amplify what happens in our bodies all the time: we have stem cells throughout our bodies waiting to be activated and told what cell types to replace (e.g. old blood cells) or what tissues to fix.
2 comments:
Koreans rule. Need I say more?
John, stop taking credit for scientific research. Seriously.
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