Embryonic Stem Cell Research

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells can be described as the repair kits of our body. They are unspecialized cells that are found in the bodies of all multi-cellular creatures, that have the potential to develop into specialized cells.

Where are Embryonic Stem Cells found?

Embryonic stem cells are found in blastocysts. When a fertilized egg has undergone cell division for 5 days, it forms a hollow ball of cells. This developing embryo is known as a blastocyst. The embryonic stem cells are derived from this. It should be noted that only an egg that has been fertilized through the In Vitro Fertilization process is used.

What are the properties of Embryonic Stem Cells?

Embryonic stem cells possess remarkable properties of limitless self-renewal through cell-division, and can develop into new stem cells or more specialized types of body cells. The process of self-replication is called proliferation, and when the unspecialized cells undergo cell division, and bring forth specialized cells it is called differentiation.

How are Embryonic Stem Cells cultivated?

The blastocyst has three main parts - the trophoblast, the blastocoel, and the inner cellular mass. Embryonic stem cells are derived from this inner cellular mass, which are cultivated in a culture medium in a laboratory, over a period of time. These cells divide and proliferate, forming millions of new embryonic cells. These embryonic stem cells can remain undifferentiated or, under certain conditions, can begin to differentiate and produce specialized cells like nerve cells, blood cells, etc.

What are the uses of Embryonic Stem Cells?

Since embryonic stem cells have the potential to develop into a variety of specialized cells, they are very important in medical research. Scientists involved in embryonic stem cell research are trying to understand the conditions under which specific specialized cells are produced. By knowing how to bring about or control these conditions, they can then produce the required specialized cells on demand. These specialized cells can possibly be used in regenerative treatments for spinal cord injuries or to cure diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, etc.

What are the moral and ethical issues involved in Embryonic Stem Cell usage?

As mentioned before, the embryos used in embryonic stem cell research are developed from eggs, that have been fertilized by the In Vitro Fertilization process. The eggs used are the ones that have been willingly donated for research purposes and which, as per the agreement with the donor, are never to be transplanted into a uterus to develop into a human being.

After the embryonic stem cells are extracted, there is no further development of the blastocyst. This poses as a moral problem to many religious organizations. Is it okay to let an embryo - a developing life - die in order to potentially cure diseases and alleviate suffering in those already living? However, is it right to snatch the very possibility of cure, from the hands of those suffering from fatal diseases? 

Pro-life groups feel that the end does not justify the means. In other words, a blastocyst - a hollow ball of cells that is not technically a person – should not be sacrificed for the sake of research. Life is too precious.

source by : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/stem-cell-research/

Cord Blood Banking Pros and Cons

Umbilical cord blood storage is a relatively new procedure in medical science, which promises to protect a baby from life-threatening illnesses in the future. Though it has been purported to be an ultimate source for transplant therapy in childhood cancer patients, a lot of queries about cord blood storage linger in the mind of expecting parents.

What is Umbilical Cord Blood Banking?

The umbilical cord blood is nearly similar to regular blood that is continuously circulated in our body. In short, it has all the three components that blood has, viz. Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), and plasma (blood medium). What is so unique about cord blood is the presence of stem cells that have the ability to develop into other types of cells. In the procedure for cord blood banking, blood from the umbilical cord is collected immediately after childbirth. It is then processed to remove unwanted particles, and stored under cryogenic conditions.

Both public and private blood banks provide facilities for preserving cord blood. For storing in public centers, the mother needs to go through a general health examination, and pass the criteria set by the organization. Those maintained in public centers are normally used for stem cell research, while some parents opt for storing cord blood in a private blood bank by paying the necessary charges. Before making a decision for this, understand the various related pros and cons.

Pros

With cord blood banking, the stored blood can be used as a source for extracting stem cells, when the child, his/her sibling, or any immediate family member is diagnosed with severe disease that can be treated by transplant therapy. If parents can afford, cord blood banking privately is no less than a lifelong insurance for newborns, who have a familial history of genetic disorders, blood cancer, thalassemia, and similar illnesses. Using one's own cells reduces the risks for graft-versus-host medical complications.

So is the procedure worth the cost? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports the procedure of umbilical cord blood banking for families who can afford it. Not only for the child for whom cord blood is stored, the stem cells can be used for compatible siblings and relatives as well. It is estimated that every child has one in 1,000 to one in 200,000 chances of using umbilical cord blood in his/her later life. Thus, storing cord blood is a wise step towards ensuring a safe future.

Cons

The high price is a major concern for everyone interested. A trustful private blood bank may charge approximately USD 2,000 - 2,200 for the enrollment process. In addition to this collection fee, cord blood banking cost includes a yearly fee for maintenance, which comes to about USD 100. Thus, umbilical cord blood storage may not be affordable for every parent, even if it sounds logical for insuring their child.

Another problem is the need for proper planning. It does happen in families that the decision for banking cord blood is taken too late to be put into action. Ideally, one should contact a private cord blood bank when the pregnancy term is 34 weeks. This is because the collected blood requires an individual kit and special arrangements for storage. Besides this, the collected cord blood is a limited sample (about 3 - 5 ounces only). Hence, it may not be sufficient for use in stem cell transplants for adults.

Considering the high cost, this might be a hard decision to make. On the brighter side, chances of getting matching donors are high, as there are several public banks with facilities for cord blood storage.

source by : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cord-blood-banking-pros-and-cons.html