Stem Cell Research



Stem Cell Research

Introduction

Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos at the earliest stages of its development, just days after fertilization. These cells are called "pluripotent": they can replicate indefinitely (self-renewal), proliferate in culture and differentiate into more than 200 types of tissues.

During development, they have potential to form all tissues of the body. They could indeed be a permanent reservoir of cells to repair the damaged or diseased organs. In some cases they might even replace organ transplantation.

The uses of these cells are following;

They could help in the progression of science,

They have the potential to cure diseases,

Plenty of these cells are available, they don't only come from abortion patients Stem cells aid in the healing process of injuries by regenerating the lost areas of the body. Broken bones, ripped muscles, cut or scratched skin and other possible damages are covered with stem cells of the body. They regenerate forming into the specialized cells (muscle cells, bone cells, blood cells, skin cells, etc.) to make up for the loss. Stem cells are further categorized in terms of their sources; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a four to five days old human embryo, which further divide and specialize to form different parts organs and other body structures. Adult stem cells, or somatic stem cells, are found within different types of tissues (Solo, 2007). These remain in a dormant state for years until stimulated by a disease or injury.

Ethics and Stem Cell Research

The best way of identifying stem cells is still to be discovered, however, tests are mostly based on determining the self-renewal capabilities of stem cells. All tests are conducted in laboratories under controlled environment. One way of identifying stem cells in a laboratory is by transplanting a single cell to see whether the cell specializes as per the body requirements or not. However, researchers may also use a microscope to see if the stem cells are undifferentiated and healthy. Moreover, examining the chromosomes also yields the same results. Hypertension that occurs in preeclampsia is caused by increased peripheral vascular resistance. Cardiac output is usually lower than in normotensive pregnancy. A reduction in GFR of 50% serum creatinine doubled. The increased vascular permeability to proteins may be secondary to injury of endothelial cells of undetermined cause.

Overproduction of endothelia (vasoconstrictor and platelet aggregator) has been considered a possible factor in preeclampsia. The lipid per oxidation which is circulating selectively inhibits the enzyme prostaglandin synthase, diverting the cyclooxygenase pathway toward synthesis of thromboxane A, a vasoconstrictor. Regarding blood glucose, hyperglycemia reduces the synthesis of PGI2 by endothelial cells, the preeclampsia increases the antagonism to insulin observed in normal pregnancy. The reduction of plasma volume in preeclampsia should not be treated with volume expansion may be caused because of acute pulmonary edema. When women with preeclampsia have pulmonary edema, it is usually caused by administration of large volumes of fluid before and during the delivery

Controversies

There has been much debate over ...