For this week’s discussion I decided to focus on general outcomes and overall ethical
considerations of stem cell research. Stem cells are unique because they are
undifferentiated cells that are capable of developing in order to perform numerous
functions throughout the body. Other cell types for example red blood cells are
differentiated cells that are only able to carry oxygen through the blood in our bodies.
Stem cells are essentially the Swiss army knife of cells and have shown promise towards
being able to replace damaged organs and tissues, correct parts of organs that are not
functioning properly, and test new drugs for safety and effectiveness. Stem cells are also
widely researched at hospitals, universities, and even by independent non-profit
organizations such as The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR).
Stem cell research is largely considered a promising field especially for the purposes of
regenerative medicine. The goal of regenerative medicine is the repairing and possibly
replacing of diseased cells, tissues or organs and eventually retrieving normal function.
Two recent promising clinical trials showed that a case of Epidermolysis Bullosa
manifested signs of skin recovery after treatment with keratinocyte cultures of epidermal
stem cells. Another clinical trial showed a major improvement in eyesight of patients
suffering from macular degeneration after the transplantation of patient-derived induced
pluripotent stem cells. Stem cell research is still in a largely experimental state as not
enough clinical trials have been successfully performed for full regulatory approval.
Adult stem cells do not serve an ethical problem, however in recent years, there has been
controversy surrounding the way human embryonic stem cells are obtained. During the
process of harvesting embryonic stem cells the embryo itself is destroyed. This raises a
significant ethical concern for people who believe that the destruction of a fertilized
embryo is morally wrong. Many would argue that the embryo should have the same rights
as every other human and that these rights should be protected. Researchers would argue
that they receive consent from the donors before utilizing the fertilized eggs and sperm
removing any ethical concern. One alternative for using embryonic stem cells is utilizing
induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). The ethical concern with this method is if the
IPSC can develop into a human embryo, researchers in theory could clone the donor of the
IPSC cells.
References:
Aly, R. M. (2020, May 15). Current state of stem cell-based therapies: An overview. Stem
cell investigation. Retrieved April 21, 2022, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7367472/
Cafasso, J. (2017, July 9). Stem cell research: Uses, types & examples. Healthline.
Retrieved April 21, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-
research#federal-regulations
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 19). Answers to
your questions about Stem Cell Research. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 21, 2022,
from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-
depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
