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STEM CELL THERAPY
Since stems cells have the
potential to be differentiated into basically all cell types, they offer
promise in the development of medical treatments for a wide range of
conditions. These include damage to the brain, spinal cord, skeletal
muscles, and the heart. Treatments have been proposed follow either
physical trauma (e.g. spinal cord injuries), degenerative conditions
(e.g. Parkinson's disease), or even genetic diseases (in combination
with gene therapy).
Much success and potential have been demonstrated from research using
adult stem cells. Nevertheless, some are of the opinion that the
differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells is broader than most
adult stem cells. In addition, embryonic stem cells are considered more
useful for nervous system therapies, as researchers have struggled to
identify and isolate neural progenitors from adult tissues. Embryonic
stem cells, however, might be rejected by the immune system; a problem
which wouldn't occur if the patient received their own stem cells.
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What
is a stem cell?
Research history and
developments
Isolation and in vitro culture
Production of male gametes
Contamination by reagents used in cell culture
Reducing donor-host rejection
Potential method for new cell line derivation
Stem cell therapies
Controversy of
Embryonic stem cell research
Arguments for cell research state these reasons:
Arguments against embryonic stem cell research
Stem cells without embryonic destruction
Patents covering human
stem cell research
International policy
context
US policy debate
Origins of policy debate in the U.S.
Congressional response
References |