Stem cells: Pros and Cons

Stem cells are basically undifferentiated cells that are characterized by two distinct features; one, the ability to divide continually through mitotic cell cycle, and two, the capability to differentiate into different cell types. On the basis of their place of origin, stem cells can be broadly segregated into two different categories — adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. While the first class of stem cells are derived from the adult tissues like bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid, the second kind of stem cells are obtained from the blastocyst.

Some prominent advantages of stem cells are:

1. The adult stem cells are primarily used for the repair and regeneration of the damaged tissues and organs. As they are extracted from the patient’s own body, therefore the problems like DNA compatibility doesn’t arise. Moreover, they are never rejected by the immune response system of the body. For all these reasons, adult stem cells are considered to be superior to both the umbilical cord stem cells and embryonic stem cells.

2. Umbilical cord is considered to be the richest source of stem cells, and cells derived from it can be preserved in the cryogenic banks for future use. The donation of umbilical cord stem cells is highly encouraged, very much like blood donation. As there are innumerable donors, the probability of finding the exact match is high. Additionally, the scientists have developed various methods that minimize the risk and increase the transferability in those cases where the donor and recipient DNA do not match exactly.

3. Under appropriate conditions and requisite stimulus, the embryonic stem cells can divide ceaselessly and differentiate into any one of the 200 different types of cells present in the body. Studies reveal that these cells can be used for the treatment of a wide range of medical abnormalities and conditions like birth anomalies, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cardio-vascular disease, and the like.

Disadvantages of stem cells are:

1. A number of ethical issues arise due to the origin of embryonic stem cells. The blastocyst, from where these cells are derived, has the potential to develop into a complete human being. The critics believe that stopping the development of the blastocyst is equivalent to killing a person.

2. The stem cell research is still in its preliminary stage, and it not exactly known whether the cells can actually differentiate into a complete organ that can be used of transplantation.

3. Yet another drawback of stem cells is the high cost associated with their preservation, processing, analysis and experimentation.