Stem cell research, it's a touchy subject but why? True that stem cell research and cloning seem to be a sure path to reproductive cloning but in researching all that this science advancement can do, it seems a risk we should be taking. Now with new treatments for dogs using stem cells, I think that it may be a great cure for many things.
Many people argue that stem cell research is, well, "not acceptable", but do you know what stem cells really are?
'Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types.The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues." Wikipedia
What does all that medical jargon mean? It means that these cells already exist within us, they can change into whatever type of cell the body needs, and they are here to help us!
They don't sound so frightening now do they? They great thing is, stem cells are being used today to treat one of the most common conditions in dogs...arthritis!
A company in San Diego, CA called Vet-Stem, are using stem cells taken from dogs to treat arthritis, tendon or ligament injuries. In a somewhat 'easy' procedure, fat cells are taken from the afflicted dog. Usually from fat pockets around the abdomen or shoulder blade area. These cells are then taken to the lab where the stem and regenerative cells are isolated. These cells are then reinjected into the dog! That's it!
They have seen these injections provide relief for several months to over a year!
"The treatment works because stem cells do more than just morph into the required body tissue - they provide growth factors and chemicals that help the injury heal by, amongst other things, reducing inflammation and preventing scar tissue from forming." Robert Harmen DVM and founder of Vet-Stem
Unfortunately since this is a new proceedure, long term effects are yet to be known and it is a costly proceedure ($2000 - $3000) but imagine the diseases and ailments that may be helped by just using what the body already has!
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