Final Thoughts

After exploring embryonic stem cell research and the ethics surrounding this topic, I have concluded that stem cell research is the future of medicine in the regenerative technology field; however the ethical issues attached are something that may never be determined. Meaning, I don’t believe we will ever be able to fully come to a conclusion on if embryonic stem cell research is ethical or not, given different individual morals. I don’t think I’ve found a satisfactory answer to my initial question because of this. This may be an issue that is constantly debated for as long as it’s around and in use, similar to abortion, in that it involves where a life begins. Yet I think that by shedding a light on the vast amount of medical uses that are at our fingertips with this technology, it may become more of a socially accepted medicine practice. I’ve learned more throughout my research about the possibilities and also limitations with this new type of medicine, which has helped mold my research process.

As I continue with my research, I am not exactly sure what my thesis will be for my final project. I still want to do more research on this topic of embryonic stem cell use, and feel I will be able to come up with a thesis in which I can explore further, upon doing so.

For example, I haven’t found what other issues are arising as embryonic stem research progresses. I want to examine more of the medical and social issues surrounding this topic. I hope to see just how all these issues may ultimately determine if regenerative medicine will ever take off and the acceptance it will have, if proven to work. I think all my sources were comparative in the information they gave and their lack of bias, however some suggest more potential uses that others and dive deeper into the ethical issues.

I would like to argue, or rather acknowledge, both the potential uses and limitations regarding embryonic stem cell use. I think this is the best way to go about this issue, given there is really no way to determine if it is ethical or not. I also would like to address the fact that the potentials of regenerative medicine are not fully realized yet, and given the chance, could be beneficial to the world. As I look toward the argument essay, I’m still thinking about how to write this paper in a way where the reader can come to their own conclusion, based on the information I present them with regarding the ethical and medical issues surrounding this topic.

What Are the Possibilities?

For my fourth post, I decided to somewhat compare two articles, one being from Time Magazine, written by Alice Park, about the benefits of stem cells in curing diseases. The other article, titled: “The Science and Ethics of Induced Pluripotency: What Will Become of Embryonic Stem Cells?”, written by David Zacharias and Timothy Nelson, discussed new concerns related to how embryonic stem research could progress.

The Time Magazine article explains just how stem cells are transforming the ways in which we will treat diseases as well as how we age. (This is a regenerative use I never came across in other sources regarding stem cells). Nonetheless, the article goes on to emphasize that disease doesn’t have to be mysterious anymore with this new technology at our fingertips; instead, as a society, we should be supporting stem cell research as much as possible. Diseases related to brain cell, liver cell, heart cell, and nerve cell damage, are mentioned as being the most curable, using embryonic stem cells. This article doesn’t weigh into any issues surrounding this research, just more of a personal opinion on the potentials of it.

                                http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20060807,00.html

The second article, “The Science and Ethics of Induced Pluripotency: What Will Become of Embryonic Stem Cells?” depicts just how beneficial embryonic stem cells may or may not be as we come closer to new advancements in regenerative technology.  There have been promising results in the treatment of Parkinson disease, spinal injuries, type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease using embryonic stem cells. The article acknowledges that the potential uses of stem cells, especially embryonic, have not yet been realized. This article also discussed how experts must compare the social, legal, scientific, and medical pros and cons, regarding stem cells as well.  

The tone of the Time Magazine article, compared to the other source, had much more of a biased tone. All of the EBSCOhost sources draw out just how embryonic stem cells work, their potential for curing diseases, and the controversies that go along with this research. However they let the reader come to their own conclusions about this issue, instead of trying to sway them one way or the other, like I felt the Time Magazine article did. They are less opinion based and more academically supported. That’s not to say the Time article was not a good source, because it did justice in giving more insight on this topic, yet opinions were still able to make their way into the writing. I feel the article written by Zacharias has a lot of optimism incorporated, from a research standpoint, in just how far this new form of medicine can go if given the chance. Park’s article on the other hand, seems to be driven by a personal “hype” over the disease curing potentials of this new medicine. I think this is something that should be avoided so that limitations, at this point, are not overlooked and achievable goals are in place before moving forward.

Although I do believe that research in this area should be done in order to pursue curing many diseases, I think only time will tell in just how successful this new form of medicine will be. I also must agree with Zacharias when he says “ethicality of embryo destruction appears unlikely.” I feel like a broken record when I say that the ethics concerning this topic are inconclusive and it is hard to say if embryonic stem cell research will ever be socially accepted. However I feel that by shedding a light on medical, legal and social benefits, we will see much more acceptance in the advancement of regenerative medicine.

Works Cited

C. Christopher Hook, et al. "The Science And Ethics Of Induced Pluripotency: What Will Become Of Embryonic Stem Cells?." Mayo Clinic Proceedings 86.7 (2011): 634-640. Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 July 2012.

Park, Alice. "How Stem Cells Are Changing the Way We Think About Disease - 10 Ideas That Will Change the World - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2012. <http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/>

Ready For A Clinical Setting?

Upon searching for more sources on EBSCOhost, I found two more very intriguing journal articles discussing new ways in developing embryonic stem cells and how this may bring an end to the ethical issues, and the problems that may be presented when going from animal to clinical application.

The article “Will Cell Reprogramming Resolve the Embryonic Stem Cell Controversy?”, written by John Rasko and Carl Power, addressed the ongoing developments of cell reprogramming. This is where “adult” stem cells are reprogrammed to enter an embryonic stem cell state. They are deemed “pluripotent stem cells” and many scientists feel these will help break away from the ethical controversy regarding embryonic stem cells. Cell reprogramming, to some, seems to be the new way to use embryonic stem cells clinically and the future of regenerative medicine. However the article also emphasizes that pluripotent stem cells may also cause more ethical problems and complicate the stem cell controversy even further.

Given that there is really no conclusion to this ongoing controversy of embryonic stem cell use, the President’s Council on Bioethics stated that the best “ethical alternative” at this point, is cell reprogramming. It has been very successful in the lab, where researchers turned human skin cells into red blood cells. Not to mention, induced pluripotent stem cells can be collected from any individual and differentiate into any cell type just like embryonic stem cells. Yet problems can still occur depending on the age of the donor cells, as they are less efficient the older they are. I don’t sense any bias in this source but I do question if this alternative, could bring an end to the ethical controversy attached to this topic, given there are still minor problems associated with it.

                         http://www.stemcellresearchfoundation.org/WhatsNew/Pluripotent.htm

I also find myself wondering; could induced pluripotent stem cells be just as effective, if not better, then embryonic stem cells? What concerns, if any, are attached to iPS cells? Will the government decide to fund this new form of regenerative medicine? At this point, it is hard to say but if iPS cells prove to differentiate just as well as embryonic stem cells, will this ultimately become the new direction of regenerative medicine?

I also explored the problems that may develop when taking embryonic stem cells from the lab setting, with animals, to the clinical setting. “New Perspectives in Stem Cell Research: Beyond Embryonic Stem Cells,” written by L. Keller, discussed the current state of stem cell technology and applying embryonic stem cells to disease treatment and cell replacement therapy. The article also addresses the problems faced when applying them in a clinical setting. Embryonic stem cells were recently cleared to be used, clinically, in a trial to treat spinal cord injuries; however it is now on hold due to some minor issues that arose in the final tests in the lab.

Although “adult” stem cells have continually been used in the clinical setting, the real question is how embryonic stem cells will transition to the clinical setting. Yes human embryonic stem cells have been tested in the lab, but I think the lack of funding by the government may ultimately determine just how effective they are in the clinical setting.

As noted in the article, there is also major concern with the transition of embryonic stem cells to a clinical setting, in that although they have unlimited reproduction, this may end up causing tumors. Another problem arises in that cells from an embryo, injected into a sick patient, may be rejected given the cells are no the genetically the same as the patient. Not to mention, human embryos are not an unlimited “resource,” so this may slow down large-scale treatment. However until they are allowed to be used clinically, and not just “here-and-there” in a lab, it is difficult to come to a conclusion of just how successful embryonic stem cells may or may not be.

The beginning of organ transplants had similar concerns attached, those being if it could be done in the clinical setting as well and the fear of patient rejection. Many were reluctant to attempt or even allow it to be done. Though once proven to work, and the “kinks” sort of worked out, organ transplants became widely accepted. I realize there are not ethical issues related to this, as there are with embryonic stem cell use, but I feel both can be looked at in the same light. If embryonic stem cells work clinically, will this new disease treatment be accepted medically?

If proven to work in the clinical setting, will the government fund more research and trials? How will success rate affect individual concerns regarding this topic? Will more ethical issues arise if proven to work? Again coming to conclusions about success and individual morals is not something that can really be determined. However I’m looking forward to seeing what new disease treatments regenerative medicine may lead to in the future, once some laboratory and clinical hurdles are cleared.

Works Cited

L. Kenner, et al. "New Perspectives In Stem Cell Research: Beyond Embryonic Stem Cells." Cell Proliferation 44.(2011): 9-14. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 July 2012.

Power, Carl, and John E. J. Rasko. "Will Cell Reprogramming Resolve The Embryonic Stem Cell Controversy? A Narrative Review." Annals Of Internal Medicine 155.2 (2011): 114-W43. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 July 2012.

The Future of Medicine?

I decided to start my search on EBSCOhost and found two very interesting articles regarding stem cell research.  The first article, written by John Ritz, discusses new developments in stem cell research and some of the ethical concerns that go along with it. He talks about just how this new regenerative medicine, as they’re now calling it, is improving and in some cases curing, many diseases.  Many of the diseases mentioned are related to sports injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, ligament and tendon tears, and blood and heart disorders. These all may be potentially improved with stem cells. Ritz also discusses the ethics of embryonic stem cells and where controversy lies in how they are obtained, either from fertilized eggs or aborted fetuses. He also emphasizes that additional research is being done to explore different ways of acquiring embryonic stem cells.

The second journal I found was written by Carl Power and John Rasko, and addresses more of the medical and scientific issues related to stem cell research. They discuss how sometimes fact and fiction are hard to separate as well as the difference of realistic expectations and “wishful” thinking regarding this topic. Power and Rasko also compare the advantages and disadvantages of adult and embryonic stem cells for clinical use and how advancements are being made every day. Throughout the article, they emphasize that embryonic stem cells remain the biggest interest to researchers because of their ability to turn into many different specific cell types.

                              http://ecordbloodbanking.com/benefits-of-stem-cell-research/

Although both articles discuss the continued research that is being done on stem cells, with both “adult” and embryonic, I think in order for stem cell research to be accepted in the clinical setting, many will need to see it in action, so to speak.

                                         http://cellecell.onsugar.com/search/embryonic

Even though it is proving to be the new direction of medicine in order to cure diseases and improve injuries, the acceptance will vary from person to person. I think many medical professionals are excited and willing to test stem cells in the clinical setting, however another question arises being if it truly will work? What treatments are achievable using embryonic stem cells and what may be "far-fetched"? Yes it has been working in the laboratory setting with mice, but until it’s allowed to be used on humans (specifically embryonic stem cells), these are hard questions to answer. I think individual morals is the biggest factor in determining if this new practice of medicine will be accepted in our society.

Where exactly does a human life begin? What are potential guidelines regarding embryonic stem cell use, if allowed clinically? Again these are not simple questions to answer. This differing of opinion in where the human life begins could prove to be a setback in embryonic stem cells being accepted for use clinically. Yet on the contrary, the potential of embryonic stem cells curing many debilitating diseases and alleviating injuries may ultimately change moral opinions on this issue. There is also the fact that embryonic stem cells are being found elsewhere, not just in the cell mass of donated fertilized eggs in a lab. The question of “will it ever be socially accepted, if approved?” may be a question that effectively cannot be answered, given individual morals. This makes it hard to predict just how this new practice of medicine will progress within our society, if at all.

Works Cited 

Power, Carl, and John E. J. Rasko. "Promises And Challenges Of Stem Cell Research For Regenerative Medicine." Annals Of Internal Medicine 155.10 (2011): 706-W-217. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 July 2012.
Ritz, John M. "Magic From Human Regenerative Technologies -- Stem Cells." Technology & Engineering Teacher 71.8 (2012): 4-9. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 July 2012.

Is Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethical?

I think it would be wise to start with what exactly stem cells are. They are unique cells, which are capable of dividing and renewing themselves, as well as their ability to give rise to specialized cell types (like heart or liver tissue). Currently, embryonic and somatic, or “adult” stem cells are the most widely used for stem cell research. “Adult” stem cells are found within the body already and repair or generate cell types of the tissues where they reside.  Embryonic stem cells are found in human embryos which are developed through in vitro fertilization. They have a greater capacity for self renewal, which is why so many researchers are trying to figure out more of their potential uses.

What are the immediate advantages? Are there any long term effects regarding stem cell use? The fact that embryonic stem cells have the ability to develop into many different specific tissues, cells and organs within the body, is why they remain such an interest. They offer a variety of use for medical treatments regarding many different medical conditions.

The real controversy lies in the creation, use, and destruction of human embryos, for embryonic stem cells and research. Adult stem cells are used presently, but instigate little to no debate due to their success of treating leukemia and bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants. What benefits come with the use of stem cells? What moral concerns are present with embryonic stem cell use?

Although there are no approved treatments using embryonic stem cells, the question of morally right or wrong can still be addressed. This issue can also lead into a whole other argument of if in vitro fertilization, for research use in a laboratory, and not for fertilization of an egg to be inserted back into a woman, is ethically correct. This also leaves many present questions unanswered. Will embryonic stem cell research be socially accepted, if it is ever approved? Will there be support from not only the government, but from society?

This topic is very much up for debate and leaves me wondering, how will this ultimately shape the possible future of embryonic stem cell research?

(I've provided a youtube link to give you a little understanding of what embryonic stem cell research is all about, if you don't quite understand from my post).