The Hype, the Hope, the Whole Story

from the June 12, 2007 eNews issue

New research involving mice suggest it may be possible to obtain stem cells from skin patches. Scientists are excited because these cells possess the same advantages as embryonic stem cells. This new discovery represents a huge breakthrough in biotechnology. If the same can be done in humans, it could lessen or even completely eliminate the need for controversial embryonic stem cells.

Three different teams of researchers produced exactly the same result using the same technique. The findings of the study have been published in the journal Nature. Using cells from just under the skin's surface, scientists were able to create stem cells that are virtually "indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells." The cells are just as versatile as embryonic cells, but easier to obtain, more compatible, and non-controversial. Using this new technique, a person's own skin cells could be converted directly into stem cells without having to clone or destroy human embryos.

For those of you who are not already familiar with this issue, stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different kinds of cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. That is why stem cells are often referred to as the "master cells" of the human body. That is also why they can be used to repair damaged tissue and treat diseases.

There are two basic types of stems cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are extracted from fertilized eggs or embryos. When the stem cells are removed the embryo is destroyed, raising a variety of ethical concerns. Adult stem cells, however, can be safely extracted from various places in the human body, such as fatty tissue, blood, and bone marrow.

Many scientists believe that embryonic stem cell research will result in miracle cures to some of our most debilitating diseases, but scientists have yet to learn how to control and manipulate these powerful cells. In fact, in laboratory research using rodents, embryonic stem cells either caused tumors or were rejected by the host - which is why many scientists to look to therapeutic cloning as a source for compatible stem cells.

The truth about embryonic stem cells is very different from the media hype. Billions of dollars have been invested in controversial embryonic stem cell research, however embryonic stem cells have yet to benefit a single patient. After 20 years of research, there are no approved treatments or human trials using embryonic stem cells. The development of tumors and malignant carcinomas, as well as the risk transplant rejection are just a few of the hurdles that embryonic stem cell researchers have been unable to overcome.

Scientists admit that it could be another 20 years before embryonic stems cells can be used to effectively treat disease - if ever. While embryonic stem cell potential remains theoretical, adult stem cell treatments are already being used to successfully treat many diseases. The use of adult stem cells in research and therapy is not as controversial as embryonic stem cells, because the production of adult stem cells does not require the destruction of an embryo. Adult stem cells also pose no medical dangers to the patient - because the cells come from the patient's own body there is no risk of transplant rejection. Among the stunning advancements in adult stem cell therapy are treatments for various types of cancer, leukemia, arthritis, anemia, liver and cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson's disease, and even spinal cord injuries.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists at theUniversity of Sao Paulo were able to use adult stem cells to reverse type 1 diabetes - also know as juvenile diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes require regular shots of insulin. However according to the study, 14 out of the 15 people who received stem cell therapy did not need insulin shots for months, even years, after receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, scientists in the UK have successfully used adult stem cells to restore vision to patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration - one of the leading causes of blindness.

Adult stem cells have literally enabled the lame to walk and the blind to see, while embryonic stem cells have yet to treat a single disease. Despite this fact, advocates of cloning and embryonic stem cell research among the press, the public, and the scientific community remain resolute. The findings of the skin cell study certainly did not deter embryonic stem cell supporters in Washington - last week Congress passed a bill that would loosen President Bush's 2001 restrictions on funding for stem cell research involving human embryos (the White House is expected to veto the bill). It would seem that the battle over stem cell research has become more about politics than scientific fact.

Need to look something up?

  †  †  †   stories, etc.