Stem cell research is going ahead at a slow but steady pace in many countries. Most European countries have government backed stem cell research programs. The best and ethic-bending form of stem cell research involves embryonic stem cells. The cells of an unborn foetus are used to test their ability to repair and regrow adult tissue. Most people are unaware of that the adult body naturally carries its own stem cells. These cells exist to repair tissue damage. Some of today's cutting edge stem cell research is done with those cells that are taken directly from a patients body and used to regrow tissue and re-implant it into the donor's own body.
A case in this type of stem cell therapy would be Claudia Castillo. A young mother of two who had suffered from tuberculosis for several years. A severe bout left her with a badly damaged lung that doctors thought may have to be removed. Dr. Paolo Macchiarini thought that a windpipe transplant would do, instead. As with most transplants the biggest fear is that the new organ will be rejected, but if you use the patients own stem cells to line the new organ, the body is less likely to reject it. After a donor organ was found it was stripped of all cells, Ms Castillo's stem cells were taken from bone marrow in her hip and used to line the new windpipe with her own cells. At this time she is living a near normal life without having to take immuno-suppressent drugs. These drugs can cause high blood pressure and cancer.
The ramifications of this type of stem cell research are enormous. Not only can it be applied to windpipe transplants for adults and children, but arthritis sufferers or people with chronic inflammatory bursitis. The worn out tissue can be replaced by cells that are currently in your body, thus minimizing rejection and nearly eliminating any ethical or religious arguments to the treatment.
There is currently research going on into the use of adult stem cells in cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, arthritis, and many auto-immune disorders. The debate still rages on about the use of embryonic stem cells, but where and what are the issues with an adult using their own cells to help heal themselves? There are products available that claim to be able to enhance adult stem cell production all naturally.
