GS Mains Model Question & Answer: Write a note on the principles of stem cell therapy and latest advancements in this field . Comment

 GS Mains Model Question & Answer: Write a note on the principles of stem cell therapy and latest advancements in this field . Comment

Q. Write a note on the principles of stem cell therapy and latest advancements in this field . Comment

Model Answer:

Write a note on the principles of stem cell therapy and latest advancements in this field.

Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition.

Bone marrow transplant is the most widely used stem-cell therapy, but some therapies derived from umbilical cord blood are also in use. Research is underway to develop various sources for stem cells, and to apply stem-cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.

Stem-cell therapy has become controversial following developments such as the ability of scientists to isolate and culture embryonic stem cells, to create stem cells using somatic cell nuclear transfer and their use of techniques to create induced pluripotent stem cells. This controversy is often related to abortion politics and to human cloning. Additionally, efforts to market treatments based on transplant of stored umbilical cord blood have been controversial.

Some of its applications are :

a. regeneration of lost limbs or other bodily organs

b, to suppress the expression of some genes, particularly for preventing cancerous genes to develop

c. For treatment in diabetes, health loss, teeth replacement etc.

d. Now in UK, researches have explored possibility of treating foetuses by stem cell therapy to remove genital defects.

But use of stem cell therapy has been surrounded by ethical issues also:

a. use of embryonic blood for stem cells, results in their manipulation causing ethical concerns

b. Stem cell therapy is also considered ideal for human cloning .

Thus, given the immense potential of stem cells, world medical community should evolve ethical guidelines for the development and regulation of stem cell therapy.

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