 |
 |
MILWAUKEE: Scientists Use Embryonic Stem Cells To Prevent Birth Defect Death in Mouse Embryos 08 Oct 2004 Scientists may have complicated the "hot ethical battle" over embryonic stem cell research by maintaining the viability of mouse embryos with otherwise fatal genetic heart defects by injecting them with embryonic stem cells -- a case in which researchers "saved embryos by destroying embryos," the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (Quick, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/7). In a study published in the Oct. 8 issue of the journal Science, Robert Benezra and colleagues from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York injected embryonic stem cells extracted from healthy mice into mouse embryos that were predisposed to develop fatal heart defects. The researchers discovered that when the embryonic stem cells were "incorporated" into the mouse embryos, they released a molecular signal that caused the defective heart cells to function normally, according to Long Island Newsday (Lane, Long Island Newsday, 10/8). "The result was that 50% of the mice fated to die in the womb were born with healthy hearts," Benezra said (Bowman, Washington Times, 10/8). In addition, all of the mouse embryos were born alive, and 50% of the mice lived to be at least one year old -- a "healthy middle age for lab mice," according to the Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/7). The researchers also injected embryonic stem cells into nonpregnant mice that were carriers of the fatal genetic heart mutation and discovered that the embryonic stem cells "partially" corrected congenital heart defects in their future offspring, the Washington Times reports (Washington Times, 10/8). 'Most Definitive Evidence Yet' The study provides the "most definitive evidence yet" that embryonic stem cells can help repair organs both by filling damaged areas and by secreting chemicals that allow damaged areas to rejuvenate themselves, the Washington Post reports. "Most of the work on stem cells to date has focused on how to get these cells to turn into a heart cell, a kidney cell, a bone cell or whatever it is you need," Craig Basson, director of cardiovascular research at Cornell University's Weill Medical College in New York, said, adding, "The key scientific finding here is that stem cells can also modify the cells that are already there to repair, in this case, injured hearts." However, the researchers cautioned that the technique used in the study is a "long way" from being tested in humans because of "technical and ethical concerns," according to the Post (Weiss, Washington Post, 10/8). Reaction Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, said that the research shows "promise that stem cell research is setting a new course," adding that the research opens doors to treating "new disease groups not included in the fight so far," the Journal Sentinel reports. However, Gary Lyons, a professor of anatomy at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, said that the research may be "an important discovery," but it is "not big news in the stem cell world" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/7). However, Michael Clarke, a developmental biologist and professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, said that the work has "huge significance" for demonstrating that embryonic chemicals can directly control organ development. Clarke said that he "doubt[s]" that adult stem cells -- favored by opponents of embryonic stem cell research -- would have the same regenerative qualities as embryonic stem cells, according to the Post (Washington Post, 10/8). Although some scientists say human embryonic stem cell research could potentially lead to treatments or cures for diseases such as cancer, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's, opponents of the research say it is immoral because it requires the destruction of human embryos (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 10/7). Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report http://www.kaisernetwork.org SOURCE: Medical News Today, UK http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=14675 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn