Unlike embryonic stem cell research, adult stem and umbilical cord cell research do not necessitate the destruction of a human (embryo) to harvest the necessary stem cells. Another advantage of adult stem cell based technology is that it is being used now in therapeutic applications.
In one of the most recent reports researchers from Duke University Medical Center used adult stem cells to treat peripheral arterial disease. The procedure, still in the research stage, involves isolating specialized stem cells and then injecting those cells into tissue that is starved of blood supply.
"We designed the project to take adult stem cells isolated from a patient's own bone marrow and inject them into the leg … We are hopeful that ultimately this approach will stimulate growth of new blood vessels to restore circulation to these starved muscles. This is the last option [for some patients], short of amputation,” Dr. Jeffrey Lawson, of Duke, said.
So far, two patients at Duke have had the procedure, and both have shown improvement. A recent study in Japan showed 39 out of 45 patients saw improvements in limb perfusion after undergoing the procedure. Duke researchers say those results, along with what they are finding in this new study are encouraging.
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There are also many companies that are successfully using adult stem cell therapy to help individuals who suffer from conditions that were previously thought to be untreatable.
In Thailand, for example, Chaophya Hospital is now treating no-option heart disease patients with adult stem cell therapy developed by TheraVitae. The proprietary technique is aimed at helping those with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure utilizing adult stem cells harvested from the patient’s own blood.
Robert Clark, TheraVitae's Chairman, comments, "Our message is that, unlike the cell cloning technique announced in South Korea ..., which has serious moral and ethical implications, and will probably take years to develop into a viable therapy, our technique is helping patients today."
The media, politicians and society are beginning to recognize the great potential and (current) benefit of technologies based on adult stem cells. It is high time to reject the empty promises and destruction of human life involved in current embryonic stem cell research.
Related post: Adult Stem Cell Research and Applications Continue to Thrive
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