18 Sept 2012

Adult vs. Embryonic Stem Cells




Embryonic stem cells v. adult stem cells = theory
Investigation has been ongoing now for years as scientists have tried to determine whether stem cells from adult tissues have the same capabilities and potential as embryonic stem cells. Studies are constantly revealing new information and it is hoped that therapeutic applications will be developed from both sources. The question, however, perhaps remains: which source holds the advantage?

Growth Potential

Adult stem cells are usually less flexible and versatile than embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have a far greater differentiation potential than adult stem cells simply because embryonic stem cells can develop into almost every type of cell in the human body. Conversely, adult stem cells may only develop into a limited number of cell types, so their potential applications are not as great as embryonic stem cells. Newer studies do, however, propose that adult stem cells may have greater plasticity than was originally thought, which means that they may be able to differentiate into a greater range of specialized cell types. At present, however, it would appear that embryonic stem cells still have the advantage in their ability to differentiate more readily than adult stem cells.

Is More Better?

In the case of stem cells, the answer is yes, presumptuous that more stem cells still means viable, high quality ones. Embryonic stem cells are capable of almost unlimited division, or proliferation, when placed in a culture whereas adult stem cells do not multiply so readily. The difficulty level varies as well; embryonic stem cells can be grown fairly easily in the laboratory whereas adult stem cells are not easily grown after isolation from mature adult tissues. Stem cell replacement therapies require large numbers of cells and the current difficulty in growing large numbers of adult cells means that their use for therapy at present is limited.

Consequence on Recipient's Immune System

Adult stem cells hold a distinct advantage in that a patient's own cells are identified, isolated, grown and transplanted back into the patient. The recipient's immune system does not reject the cells because they are compatible with that person's body. With embryonic stem cells, the potential for immune rejection would require strong immune suppressing drugs to combat rejection of the new cells. This then puts a patient at risk for any microscopic diseases that may be present in the transplanted cells, as well as other diseases that could be present in the hospital environment.

A Question of Cell Youth

Adult stem cells are more likely to have abnormalities from DNA mutations, which can occur due to any number of factors. The 'youth' of embryonic stem cells means that they are less likely to carry mutations and they also regenerate much more quickly than adult stem cells.

Ethics

Since adult stem cells are derived from adult tissues and, of course, with consent from the patient, there is little, if any, ethical dilemma to adult stem cell therapies. Embryonic stem cells, on the other hand, have triggered enormous debate due to the destruction of an embryo following cell extraction. Also, embryo destruction has essentially become entangled in the abortion debate, creating a mass of controversy between religious leaders, politicians and the public.

The Verdict

Notwithstanding the ethical issues, embryonic stem cells show an overwhelmingly higher potential to treat disease. However, research should still continue with adult stem cells. It is possible that researchers will discover ways to develop adult stem cells with more success as well as find ways to improve how they function once transplanted into the human body. Recent evidence indicating that adult stem cells may have more potential than was previously thought means that adult stem cells should continue to be researched alongside embryonic stem cells. Ultimately, it's a case where both stem cell sources can be valuable to prolonging and saving human life.

Stem Cells: A Rebellion in Therapeutics—New Advances in Stem Cell Biology and Their Therapeutic Requests in Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Therapies


Scheme showing the potential therapeutic applications of embryonic and tissue-specific adult stem cells in cellular and gene therapies. The pluripotent ESC types derived from blastocyst stage during embryonic development and multipotent tissue-resident adult stem cells arising from endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal germ layers are shown. The pathological disorders and diseases that might benefit the embryonic and tissue-resident adult stem cell-based therapies are indicated. Abbreviations: BASCs, bronchioalveolar stem cells; bESCs, bulge epithelial stem cells; CESCs, corneal epithelial stem cells; CSCs, cardiac stem cells; eNCSCs, epidermal neural crest stem cells; ESCs, embryonic stem cells; EPC, endothelial progenitor cell; HOCs, hepatic oval cells; HSCs, hematopoetic stem cells; KSCs, keratinocyte stem cells; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells; NSCs, neuronal stem cells; PSCs, pancreatic stem cells; RSCs, retinal stem cells; SKPs, skin-derived precursors.


See more: Stem Cells


40 comments:

  1. It’s amazing to visit again n again coming to your blogs the superb effort is here.
    BDSM porn

    ReplyDelete
  2. The superb highly informative blog I’m about to share this with all my contacts.
    Live Cam

    ReplyDelete
  3. Keep the balls rolling!! Nice posts you have given for us.
    BDSM porn

    ReplyDelete
  4. As we are wandering around in the vast sea of cyber singles, we are looking for the "magic"... The "key"...the "secret" to finding love online. Well, I don't have the magic to finding love online, but I have discovered a couple keys... The first key to finding love online, is know "what" love means to us. We all have a different definition of "love". how to find a threesome partner

    ReplyDelete
  5. How to save your marriage by having a threesome. It works! couples seeking females

    ReplyDelete
  6. The growth of adult dating websites should not come as a surprise. The internet is a vast realm that attracts people of all manner of interests and tastes. This is true on all aspects of the internet and it is most definitely true of dating sites. best webcam sites

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just couldn't leave your website before telling you that I truly enjoyed the top quality info you present to your visitors? Will be back again frequently to check up on new posts. couple seeking female

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you. backpage altnernative

    ReplyDelete
  9. It’s amazing to visit again n again coming to your blogs the superb effort is here.
    Live Cam

    ReplyDelete
  10. Off kilter numerous individuals couldn't care less about these perils, regardless of whether they think about it. mw4m

    ReplyDelete
  11. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. https://www.theplaynews.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site. U.S

    ReplyDelete
  13. More appreciating blog and this is Great post for me. It looks extremely good and Maintain a good job. we also provide Adult Classified Site in Denmark. for more information visit on our website.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Regardless of what occurs, great prepping is an unquestionable requirement. Whatever your style is, at any rate keep your fingernails clean and scrub down ordinary. escort girls in Florence

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks to live webcams, this is no longer a problem. The online dating scene has been revolutionized by video webcams because of this and web cam chat rooms have become one of the most popular features of modern dating websites. paar sex live cam

    ReplyDelete
  16. I continuously continue coming to your website once more simply in case you have posted new contents.
    Live Cam

    ReplyDelete
  17. It’s amazing in support of me to truly have a web site that is valuable meant for my knowledge. Live Cam

    ReplyDelete
  18. Live Chat Unlike some dating sites, we are not limited to profiles and like icons. At Adult Friend Finder we know that real interaction is key. That’s why we offer members with live chat. find local unicorns

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Dear, have you been certainly visiting this site daily, if that's the case you then will certainly get good knowledge.Live Sex Chat

    ReplyDelete
  20. Xmatch.com is the epitome of an MW4M dating site closely resembling a porn site with an extra social networking layer thrown in. couples seeking men

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Pornohut

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also kraków

    ReplyDelete
  23. There are many different types of adult toys available, so you and your partner are sure to find something that suits you both. Sex toys can add spice and excitement to the bedroom relationship, especially if you have been together for a long time. You don't need to use toys every time you make love, but having a variety of them available to you can help you to both enjoy sex more often.남자자위기구

    ReplyDelete
  24. I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that... 2020 news

    ReplyDelete
  25. Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing. Best News

    ReplyDelete
  26. There is some serious stuff going on right now; global warming, economic recession, changes in business, e-commerce, politics etc. What direction is this change in economics heading? No one really knows, or, maybe people know but just don't want to talk about it.성인용품점

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am appreciative to the essayist for composing this.
    애널플러그

    ReplyDelete
  28. They also enjoyed Infinum's ability to think from the perspective of targeted users, and would highly recommend them.
    top 10 web design company

    ReplyDelete
  29. First You got a great blog .I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog thanks. 애널플러그

    ReplyDelete
  30. Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. Onlyfans Leaked

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. 성인용품점

    ReplyDelete
  32. That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. 성인용품

    ReplyDelete
  33. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Porno videa

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have bookmarked your website because this site contains valuable information in it. I am really happy with articles quality and presentation. Thanks a lot for keeping great stuff. I am very much thankful for this site. 우머나이저

    ReplyDelete
  35. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention. 여성자위기구

    ReplyDelete
  36. It is the intent to provide valuable information and best practices, including an understanding of the regulatory process. 남자자위기구

    ReplyDelete
  37. On this subject internet page, you'll see my best information, be sure to look over this level of detail. search

    ReplyDelete
  38. Really nice and interesting post. I was looking for this kind of information and enjoyed reading this one. Keep posting. Thanks for sharing. 여성성인용품

    ReplyDelete
  39. This written piece gives fastidious understanding yet.It’s amazing in support of me to truly have a web site that is valuable meant for my knowledge
    Online sex adult live chat

    ReplyDelete