Embryo and Stem Cell Term Paper

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Embryo and Stem Cell Therapy

There are numerous studies which have investigated the potential benefits of embryonic stem cell therapy in restoring central nervous system function and other functions in humans with impaired cellular function.

In the article "Dopamine neurons derived from embryonic stem cells function in an animal model of Parkinson's disease" the author's objectives are to investigate stem cell therapy as a plausible treatment for Parkinson's disease using animal subjects. Researchers have widely held the belief that embryonic stem cell research would be useful in alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's. The disease itself typically results according to the authors when midbrain neurons are lost, particularly those neurons that synthesize dopamine, and important neurotransmitter.

Embryonic stem cells can generate dopamine, thus the authors propose that they become the basis for cell therapies. The scope of the study is limited to examination of stem cell function and dopamine production in animal test subjects.

The study results and findings show that midbrain neural stem cells can be derived from embryonic stem cells in a mouse, and that the dopamine neurons generated by the stem cells may provide a cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's. A quantitative approach to investigation was utilized by the researchers whereby DNA fragments of embryonic stem cells were cloned and other cultured cells were used to test the regenerative properties and dopamine producing properties of the cells.

Kim et. al, (2002) approach to embryonic stem cell therapy is grounded in scientific theory that support the use of embryonic stem cells for restoring cellular function, particularly in patient's demonstrating decreased function as a result of injury or illness.

Discussion

Embryonic stem cell therapy is rapidly becoming more common as a source of investigation for many different diseases including Parkinson's.

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In particular most studies have revolved specifically around the restorative properties of embryonic stem cells on central nervous system functioning and other brain function.

More and more scientists are encouraged by results that indicate that the regenerative properties and dopamine producing properties of embryonic stem cells might enable treatments for otherwise incurable diseases. Scientists are continually investigating the regenerative, replication and dopamine producing functions of embryonic stem cells on animals, with the thought that the findings will be applicable to human subjects in time.

In another study conducted by Sato, Meijer, Skaltsounis, Greengard & Brivanlou (2003) human and mouse embryonic stem cells are again investigated with regard to their self renewing nature. The authors are interested in examining the extent to which embryonic stem cells can be used as therapies for illnesses where the regenerative or restorative properties of brain cells are somehow damaged (as is the case with diseases including Parkinson's). Stem cell research is increasingly becoming an avenue of interest for researchers investigating central nervous system disorders.

Sato et. al (2003) specifically examine the ability of HESCs and MESCs, two particularly forms of stem sells, in order to ascertain whether the use of specific "pharmacological inhibitors, specifically GSK-3" may have "practical applications for regenerative medicine. The results of this study like the results of the primary study examined are promising.

In another study conducted of stem cells by Niwa (2001) embryonic stem cells are investigated according to their ability to differentiate into all different cell types. The idea is that stem cells can differentiate into the type of cells needed to repair damage caused by various illnesses, including Parkinson's.

The author suggests that to achieve such applications, the "pluripotency….....

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