What makes embryonic stem cells so special? The fact that these cells have the capability to develop into many different cell types presents a new and unique challenge to scientist and the medical field as a whole. Stem cells are different from all other cells in two very important ways:
- Stem Cells are unspecialized cells and capable of replicating themselves indefinitely through cell division, even after long periods of inactivity.
- Under certain conditions, they can become either tissue or organ specific cells with special functions. .
They are pluripotent or have more than one potential outcome. Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) can provide an unlimited supply of specific cell types for research as well as transplantation therapies for conditions ranging from heart disease to Parkinson’s to leukemia Some of the most severe medical conditions, like cancer and birth defects, are due to abnormal cell division and differentiation. Research provides insight on how these diseases and conditions occur and offer new strategies for treatment. hESC could be utilized to test new drugs, like cancer anti-tumor drugs.
The potential of embryonic stem cells to replace diseased or damaged cells in nearly every tissue of the body proclaims the arrival of a remarkable new field of medicine that promises cures for diseases and conditions that until now, were thought to be incurable. However, the research is being met with great resistance and the debate has become extremely political, religious, and confusing to many.
What are the ethical questions concerning stem cells?
For many people the crux of the issue is the manner in which hESC are harvested. Embryonic stem cells are extracted from a d eveloping embryo o nly a few days after conception. Once the stem cells are harvested, the embryo dies. Complicating the issue is the fact that people are confused as to the difference between an embryo and a fetus. Opponents use the terms interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference. Experts don’t consider a fertilized egg as a true embryo until it is firmly implanted into the uterine wall and pregnancy is established. A fetus is a later stage of development, usually 7 to 8 weeks after conception. Another major distinction is that a pre-embryo cell or blastocyst can be maintained outside of the body for several days, while a fetus cannot exist outside of the mother’s body.
In invitro fertilization (IVF) clinics across the nation, huge numbers of unwanted frozen embryos are being maintained in giant tanks of liquid nitrogen. These frozen embryos are literally being held “hostage” in the battle over stem cell research, and their very existence has become a “lightening rod” for controversy. What should be done with these embryos? There is the option of offering the remaining embryos out for “adoption” by other couples, but in reality, judging from the present rate, only about one in 4,000 embryos have a chance at adoption. Another option is donation for medical research.
Is academic-corporate partnership the future of hESC research?
On January 23, 2009, the Geron Corporation in California received clearance from the FDA to perform the world’s first human clinical trial of embryonic stem cell-based therapy. Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago teamed up with Geron Corporation to begin the trials in the fall of 2010. The company’s investigational new drug (IND) application (GRNOPC1) will be applied to patients with acute spinal cord injuries. The trials are expected provide a breakthrough in determining if embryonic cells can be effectively reprogrammed to repair injured or diseased tissue and organs in humans.
But the close association between a profit-seeking biotech firm and medical researchers raises some concern of whether the research is influenced through the participation of businesses with a vested interest in the result. “There’s no getting around the fact that Geron exists for a reason,” said Dr. David Chen, of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, who will direct the long-term patient care. “They’re a business. They’re accountable to their shareholders, but volunteer patients are still protected through hospital oversight”. An advantage of being financed by a private entity is the exemption from federal rulings. Many feel corporate participation in stem cell research will become more widespread in order to avoid the political baggage attached to federal funds and government inter-action that interrupts or delays research.
Stem cell research with parameters
Of course, such research would not be without parameters. President Obama has appointed the National Institute of Health (NIH) as watchdog over new, rigorously enforced guidelines. No payment will be allowed for buying or selling of neither any embryonic stem cells nor any will any medical benefits be extended. Acting director of NIH R aynard Kington, says that any research on donated cells would be reviewed by the science/ethics panel of the NIH. It is estimated that in the United States alone, over 100 million patients presently suffering from a multitude of conditions could benefit from embryonic stem cell-based therapies. “Some people worry about the ethics of a profit motive in developing health-care mechanisms,” Dr. Cunningham said. “I don’t happen to agree. The United States has been strong in the field of biomedical enterprise because companies are responding to a marketplace.”
Our scientists need to be involved and with our support
Research has been conducted unhindered around the world and with the participation of the great scientific minds here in the United States joining the effort, the day of realization is not far off. “If we as a nation decide not to pursue this line of research, our best scientists are going to leave,” Dr. Fesser said. “What else can they do?”. It should be a matter of national pride just as the “race for space” was back in the 1960’s. Also, new technologies and techniques may carry the potential to transform or eradicate many of the ethical questions we face today.Science is good in and of itself, something to be promoted since it speaks to the universal well being, health, and welfare of society at large.
But the essential argument pits the scientist who believes embryonic stem cell research offers great promise for bio-medical research against those who insist that a human embryo is a human being with rights. Scientist must be educators. Public sentiment will follow when the advantages and benefits of ESCR are revealed and the politicians will follow. The acceptance of embryonic stem cell research is but a beginning of the wonders to come in bio-medical research and the impact it will have on our future.
Sources
- E. Herold, "Stem Cell Wars," Capmag.com. Accessed June 2011.
- Right Health, "Latest Research on Stem Cells," Right Health on-line (2007, January 12). Retrieved June 2011 from RightHealth.com.
- Monroe, K., Miller, R., & Tobis, J (2008) Fundamentals of StemCell Debate. UCPress.edu. Accessed June 2011.
- NIH, "Stem Cell Basics: Introduction," Stem Cell Information on-line StemCells.nih.gov.
- Reaves, J., "Stem Cell Research Skirts Hurdles, but Raises Ethics Issues, Too," NYTimes.com. Accessed June 2011.
- Schull, D., "Geron Receives FDA Clearance to begin world's first human clinical trial of embryonic stem cell based therapy," Geron visionary therapeutics, Geron.com. Accessed June 2011.
- Vergano, D, "Stem Cell Research Requires Donor Consent," USA Today 8/09. USAToday.com. Accessed June 2011.
Dianne Wing - I approach my work with an open mind and a commitment to truth...I hope you will agree.
