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Embryonic Stem Cells For Arthritis: Pros and Cons
By Nathan Wei
Oct 4, 2012
When people think of stem cells, the type they have in their minds is the embryonic stem cell (ESC).
This article explains what ESCs are and what the current state of the research is.
ESCs are obviously derived from embryos and are pluripotential, meaning they can easily differentiate into any body tissue.
The history of ESC research is interesting. The first experiments that described self-renewing cells were done in mouse cancer models. These were the first cells that showed the ability to not only self-duplicate but to also differentiate into multiple types of tissue. Obviously, this ability also serves as a warning that cells that are capable of self-multiplication are also capable of escaping control and becoming malignant.
Later experiments with human …show more content…
New drug compounds must be tested for safety and the most common areas where drug toxicity is most often tested for is the heart and the liver. These ESCs provide a fertile ground for preliminary drug testing. That means less potential expense related to drug development.
The pitfalls of ESCs are the following...
The first is the ethical dilemma which has restricted the amount of government spending towards ESC research.
The second obstacle is the risk of malignancy associated with cells that have not completely differentiated yet and are as potent as ESCs.
Another issue is that there is a theoretical problem with a graft versus host reaction. While immunosuppressive drugs might be able to mitigate the effects of this, these drugs are not without significant side effects.
And the final obstacle is this: so far, there have been few if any clinical trials involving ESCs and arthritis.
These studies will need to be randomized and controlled. Since there is a lack of government support, private sector funding will be
Embryonic Stem Cells For Arthritis: Pros and Cons
By Nathan Wei
Oct 4, 2012
When people think of stem cells, the type they have in their minds is the embryonic stem cell (ESC).
This article explains what ESCs are and what the current state of the research is.
ESCs are obviously derived from embryos and are pluripotential, meaning they can easily differentiate into any body tissue.
The history of ESC research is interesting. The first experiments that described self-renewing cells were done in mouse cancer models. These were the first cells that showed the ability to not only self-duplicate but to also differentiate into multiple types of tissue. Obviously, this ability also serves as a warning that cells that are capable of self-multiplication are also capable of escaping control and becoming malignant.
Later experiments with human …show more content…
New drug compounds must be tested for safety and the most common areas where drug toxicity is most often tested for is the heart and the liver. These ESCs provide a fertile ground for preliminary drug testing. That means less potential expense related to drug development.
The pitfalls of ESCs are the following...
The first is the ethical dilemma which has restricted the amount of government spending towards ESC research.
The second obstacle is the risk of malignancy associated with cells that have not completely differentiated yet and are as potent as ESCs.
Another issue is that there is a theoretical problem with a graft versus host reaction. While immunosuppressive drugs might be able to mitigate the effects of this, these drugs are not without significant side effects.
And the final obstacle is this: so far, there have been few if any clinical trials involving ESCs and arthritis.
These studies will need to be randomized and controlled. Since there is a lack of government support, private sector funding will be