Sunday 25 December 2011

Can canine stem cell research aid human disease?

By James Swinburne


Adult stem cell treatment has been around for 4 decades. Since its discovery in the 1960s, its already being used by veterinarians and veterinarian clinics. Most adult stem cell therapies are for our canine companions.

Ever since the discovery of these methods, adult stem cells might help in curing sickness, further research and studies happen to be made. Scientists have been recently fogging the line between human and animal. Chinese scientists at the Shanghai Second Medical University in 2003 have merged human cells with rabbit eggs. The embryos were reportedly the first human-animal fusion successfully created.

There are also medical researches stating that this technology can also be used to cure spinal cord injuries and Parkinson's disease. There are high profile personalities like Christopher Reeve and Michael J. Fox campaigning for stem cell research. The medical possibilities fuel the debates.

Stem cell research has been fuelling controversies and ethical debates. The majority of the ethical debates surrounding the stem cell controversy is one of the creation, usage and destruction of human embryonic stem cells. People who resist using this practice say this is reproductive cloning and devalues the worth of an individual. Some medical researches argue that it is necessary to pursue stem cell research because of its medical potential. Other controversies are about religious practices and also the great power doctors would have.

Pro-life advocates raise concerns about the status of the human embryo. Pro-life advocates think that embryonic stem cell research violates the 'sanctity of life' and is equal to murder. The fundamental assertion of those who oppose embryonic stem cell research is the fact that human life should not be violated. Pro-life and religious advocates state the fact than human life begins in the process of sexual reproduction, human life begins whenever a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell to form a single cell.

Doctors argue that people have difficulty differentiating adult and embryonic stem cells. The adult stem cell are embryo-free and may only create a specific body tissue, cartilage or bone. While embryonic cells have the potential to give rise to a lot of types of tissues in your body that may result in dreaded diseases.

Adult stem cell use has started and it is currently predominantly utilized by veterinarians for stopping canine sickness. However the choices are limitless, medical sicknesses might be cured and a brighter future if you are impaired with one of these kind of illnesses.




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