Degenerative diseases are increasingly on the rise, traditionally affecting the elderly, but in recent times, children and adults too. Often, they are either incurable or very difficult to cure resulting in many sick people with limited potential to restore them. Over the last few years, a new development has been found for those with degenerative diseases: Stem Cells.
To understand how stem cells work, first we have to understand how a degenerative disease works. Most degenerative diseases are caused though one’s genetics. This makes certain people more likely to gain one. Their typical characteristics include continuous processes which over time deteriorate one’s tissues, organs, and other places. Because it is caused by one’s genes, traditional medicine cannot be used to treat it, and therefore alternate treatments are required. There are two main types of …show more content…
These are cells which can exhibit the process of cellular differentiation, which essentially can allow them to transform from one type of cell to another. They are found naturally in the human body in 3 places: Bone marrow, Adipose tissue, and Blood. In addition, they can be taken from the umbilical cord, foetus and the embryo of unborn babies. Each of these stem cells is different, but the embryonic stem is the most versatile, and can be manipulated for greatest effect.
Now that there is a clear understanding of stem cells, how can they be applied to degenerative diseases? It differs from disease to disease. Some neurodegenerative diseases are caused by loss of neurons in the brain. For example, Parkinson’s is cause by the loss of DA neurons in the brain. Technology has been developed, where embryonic stem cells can be taken, converted to DA neurons and then grafted into the brain. Clinical trials with rodents, so far had mixed results, but almost all of them showed functional benefit for those with
To understand how stem cells work, first we have to understand how a degenerative disease works. Most degenerative diseases are caused though one’s genetics. This makes certain people more likely to gain one. Their typical characteristics include continuous processes which over time deteriorate one’s tissues, organs, and other places. Because it is caused by one’s genes, traditional medicine cannot be used to treat it, and therefore alternate treatments are required. There are two main types of …show more content…
These are cells which can exhibit the process of cellular differentiation, which essentially can allow them to transform from one type of cell to another. They are found naturally in the human body in 3 places: Bone marrow, Adipose tissue, and Blood. In addition, they can be taken from the umbilical cord, foetus and the embryo of unborn babies. Each of these stem cells is different, but the embryonic stem is the most versatile, and can be manipulated for greatest effect.
Now that there is a clear understanding of stem cells, how can they be applied to degenerative diseases? It differs from disease to disease. Some neurodegenerative diseases are caused by loss of neurons in the brain. For example, Parkinson’s is cause by the loss of DA neurons in the brain. Technology has been developed, where embryonic stem cells can be taken, converted to DA neurons and then grafted into the brain. Clinical trials with rodents, so far had mixed results, but almost all of them showed functional benefit for those with