The use of stem cells

• Stem cells


  Cells that have the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types
• Embryonic stem cells


  • Totipotent if taken in the first 3-4 days after fertilisation
  • Pluripotent if taken on day 5
• Embryos used for research are often the waste (fertilised) embryos from in vitro fertilisation treatment
• These embryos have the potential to develop into human beings
• Many people have ethical objections to using embryonic stem cells in research or medicine
• Adult stem cells


  • Can divide (by mitosis) an unlimited number of times but they are only able to produce a limited range of cell types
  • A small number of adult stem cells are found in certain tissues within the body
• Stem cell therapy


  Introduction of adult stem cells into damaged tissue to treat diseases (e.g. leukaemia) and injuries (e.g. skin burns)
• The use of adult stem cells is less controversial than embryonic stem cells because the donor is able to give permission
• If multipotent stem cells are being donated from one person to another they need to be a close match in terms of blood type and other body antigens
• There is a chance that the cells used are rejected by the patient's immune system
• Ideally, the patient's own adult stem cells are used to treat them, as there is a much lower chance of rejection
• Conditions that can be treated using stem cells

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Spinal injuries
  • Blood diseases
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Heart attack
• Benefits of using stem cells

  • Great potential to treat a wide-variety of diseases from diabetes and paralysis
  • Organs developed from a patient's own stem cells reduces the risk of organ rejection and the need to wait for an organ donation
  • Adult stem cells are already used successfully in a variety of treatments acting as proof of benefits
• Risks/issues of using stem cells

  • Stem cells cultured in the lab could become infected with a virus which could be transmitted to the patient
  • There is a risk of cultured stem cells accumulating mutations that can lead to them developing into cancer cells
  • Low numbers of stem cell donors
• Social issues


  • It is possible for embryonic stem cells to be collected before birth (from amniotic fluid) or after birth umbilical cord blood and stored by a clinic but this can be expensive and isn't an option for everyone
  • A lack of peer-reviewed clinical evidence of the success of stem cell treatments
  • Educating the public sufficiently about what stem cells can and cannot be used for
• Ethical issues


  • Stem cells may be sourced from unused embryos produced in IVF treatment-is it right to use them? Who gives permission?
  • Is it right to create embryos through therapeutic cloning and then destroy them? Who owns the embryo?
  • Should an embryo be treated as a person with human rights? Or as a commodity?