Embryonic stem cells can differentiate to become specialized cells in humans. Notably, these stem cells can specialize into cells that humans do not have the ability to regenerate, such as neurons and cardiac cells. The eventual applications of studying stem cells in humans could include the ability to cure or slow down degenerative diseases and eliminate or reduce paralysis. Currently, no embryonic stem cell trials have been conducted on humans. Testing in animals has led to successful results. For example, stem cells restored motor control in a rat with induced paralysis. Adult stem cells have already been applied to humans; stem cells extracted from bone marrow have restored heart cells in patients who suffered cardiac arrest.
However, adult stem cells lack the broad plasticity potential of embryonic stem cells. But with results from animal testing and applications of adult stem cells, embryonic stem cell therapy has great promise to treat what current medicine cannot. Two trials have been approved, both of which will take place this summer. One, to be conducted in Scotland, will test the affects of stem cell therapy on brain stroke victims. Another, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, will study the safety of injecting stem cells into subjects with recent spinal cord injuries. This may lead to increased patient mobility. Safety being the main concern, this study will shed light on the safety of embryonic stem cell transplants, which will hopefully lead to further applications for treating vision problems, burns and degenerative diseases.
Parkinson’s disease, one of the many degenerative diseases affecting our society, results from the loss of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. This condition leads to lack of normal motor control and speech. Parkinson’s is usually diagnosed during its late stages, which means that many of the dopamine neurons have already been wiped out. Embryonic stem cells may be the resource to reverse the effects of such a debilitating disease. The lift of limitations on funding of stem research will expedite the progression towards the cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Unfortunately, the debate about the morality of embryonic stem cell research hinders any progressive action in the field. Embryonic stem cell research is not a matter of moral choice, but of scientific, medical advancement. Testing involves the extraction of stem cells from an embryo that has been growing for a few days, which leads to its destruction. Those opposed to embryonic stem cell research regard this as murder. However, stem cell research uses donated embryos that would have been destroyed regardless, discarded by couples which don’t need them anymore. Using them for the benefit of all serves us better than letting them go to waste.
Another form of disapproval comes from the fear that stem cell research will lead to human cloning. With the strict guidelines promised by President Obama, researchers would not become involved in such actions. Regardless of restrictions, the goal of this medical research is not about finding how far our curiosity can take us. Medicine is about improving the well-being of people, not about foolish experimentation. Medicine has the welfare of people in mind — it’s time people realize that.