TECHNICAL BACKGROUND REPORT: STEM CELL RESEARCH

This paper was co-written with Hayley Davey, Ashlee Rempel, & Evan Huang , July 10, 2007 for my UFV CMNS 251 (Report Writing) course, taught by Professor David Thomson.

=================================================================

Table of Contents 

Introduction…………………………………………………………………….Page 1 

Background…………………………………………......................……………Pages 2-4

Figure 1- Stem Cell Differences.................................................................................................……..Page 2

Definition...................................................................................................……..Page 2

Diseases treated..........................................................................................…….Page 2

Therapy...............................................................................................................Page 3

History................................................................................................................Page 3-4

Issues...................................................................................................................Page 4

Figure 2- Stem Cell Wheel..................................................................................Page 4 

Discussion……………………………………………....................…………..Pages 5-7

Umbilical cord stem cell therapies used today...................................................Page 5

Umbilical cord stem cell therapies vs. other therapy methods...........................Page 5

How to collect and save umbilical cord blood....................................................Page 6

Bone Marrow stem cell transplants.......................................................……….Page 7

How do Bone Marrow stem cell transplants treat leukemia?..............................Page 7

Figure 3- Image of Leukemia..............................................................................Page 7

Skin and hair follicle stem cells..........................................................................Page 7 

Conclusion……………………………………………...................……………Page 8 

References…………………………………………........................……………Pages 9

INTRODUCTION 

Advancements in technology have brought to the modern age, many new ideas. These ideas have brought hope for the sick and injured. One particular area that is being looked at by doctors, scientists, and dreamers, is stem cell research. Stem cells are what every organism is made up from. There are however, different types of stem cells, like embryonic, umbilical, and adult stem cells. 

These stem cells can all do different things. In the recent past, it was discovered that stem cells could regenerate tissues, like nerves, muscles or bone marrow. This was a wonderful discovery as it showed that there was a chance to cure diseases like cancer and leukemia. There was also hope for those who had nerve damage due to illness or injury. 

With advancements, comes controversy. One type or stem cell research, embryonic, involves using an “embryo” (an organism in the first stages or development) as the source or stem cells. Many organizations and religious groups are opposed to this type of stem cell research. While this is a setback for some countries, as some types are research are banned and deemed unethical. This has however, caused more diligent research on other types or stem cells and discoveries that may have taken longer to achieve. 

There are now many more areas of research that have shown stem cells to be beneficial. The needs to cure diseases like cancer, leukemia, are driving many in the medical field to push for faster discoveries. This rush for advancement is also being pursued by the many families and friends of those inflicted by disease or injury. 

The media has highlighted cases where stem cells have offered hope, such as with celebrities like Christopher Reeves, who was paralysed, and Michael J Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. While these cases bring some awareness to the benefits of using stem cells to regenerate, there are many other uses for stem cells that are not widely publicized in the media. Some of these uses are bone marrow, and hair follicles. 

As the research of stem cells grows, the public becomes more and more aware or the benefits and advantages or using stem cells. The pressure to find usable stem cells, without the destruction of embryos has offered new opportunities. An example of this is the new division of Canadian Blood Services that will strive to collect the currently wasted umbilical cord blood from the hundreds of babies born in Canada every day. The following report will expand on the definition, background and direction of stem cell usage.  

BACKGROUND 

Definition 

Stem cells are taken from various sources of the human body including aborted embryos or eggs (embryonic stem cells), bone marrow usually found in soft tissue of the bones, hair follicles, and from the bloodstream of the umbilical cord and placenta. Stem cells are found throughout the body and are able to become different types of cells such as, muscles, nerves, skin, blood and bone. The stem cells are responsible for the repairing of tissue that is not able to heal itself. 

Diseases treated 

Bone marrow, hair follicles, embryonic and umbilical cord blood stem cells are commonly used for people with diseases like: leukemia and lymphoma, aplastic anemia, inherited immune system disorders (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome), hemoglobinopathies (Sickle cell disease), inherited metabolic disorders (Hurler’s syndrome), myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders (Refractory anemia). (National Marrow Donor Program, 2007).

Therapy 

Skin and hair follicle stem cells are greatest when used to renew skin and hair growth. Hair follicle stem cells are plentiful and can be retrieved readily. It is suggested that these stem cells are quite undifferentiated and can develop into blood vessels and neural tissue discovered in a study performed with mice (Expert Opinion, Cell & Tissue-based Therapy, Robert, M. Hoffman, 2007). This finding may be an alternative to embryonic or fetal stem cell regenerative medicine, especially given that there are no ethical problems involved with this therapy. 

Umbilical cord blood stem cells have been a topic of interest in recent years. Since the blood in the umbilical cord is “multipotent-stem-cell-rich” (Stem Cell Therapies Today, 2007), it is valuable when treating health problems which bone marrow stem cells also treat. 

Cord blood stem cells are less likely to reject change when comparing to other stem cell treatment because, they have not had the ability to develop qualities that might be attacked by the patient’s immune system. From this information about umbilical cord blood stem cells, one would believe that these particular cells are of extreme value to those in need of transplant therapies. 

Bone marrow stem cell transplants are often carried out on patients with cancer, such as Leukemia, and are very particular, in that they must match the donor’s stem cells. The patient’s bone marrow is destroyed and then the donor’s healthy bone marrow stem cells are transferred into the bloodstream of the patient. The transplant is a success if the stem cells move into the patient’s bone marrow and start creating healthy, new leukocytes which defend against infections.  

Stem cell therapy can be difficult due to the need of finding the right type of stem cell and making sure it is within the ethical boundaries. Embryonic stem cells have been considered the most all-round type of stem cell because they can grow to be nearly any type of cell in the body. However, there is a question about the use of embryonic stem cells being within ethical boundaries, because it uses embryos. (Stem Cell Therapies Today, 2007). 

History 

For years researchers have studied stem cells to learn how they work and how they can be used for treating health conditions. In the past, umbilical cord blood stem cells were known to be quite versatile except, there was concern that they would transform into blood and immune cells. Now, it is well known that these cells are very reliable and have the ability to treat patients with diseases that have been treated using bone marrow. 

Adult stem cell research came about in the 1960’s, where it was discovered that there were two types of stem cells. These stem cells are called bone marrow stromal cells which produce fat, cartilage, bone and fibrous connective tissue, and haematopoietic stem cells which develop all types of blood cells. Bone marrow stem cells have been of use for about 30 years. 

Issues 

Stem cell research has been aided because of the new technology today, and will slowly become a more common practice. It is understood that stem cell therapy is beneficial and is used to restore ruined tissue; however, there are many questions that researchers and the general public should address. The use of all stem cell therapies should be considered. The benefits, risks, and question of the importance it has on self, family and others needs to be weighed. (Stem Cell Therapies Today, 2007). 

DISCUSSION 

Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapies Used Today 

Over the last 100 years, biologic science has evolved tremendously. Humans have conquered various diseases; however, they have also faced many new diseases. Umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy is one of the most effective methods of dealing with chronic and stubborn diseases. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells that manufacture blood and immune cells. Scientists hypothesize that it could have the potential power to save lives. Over the past decade, umbilical cord stem cell transplantation has increased substantially in clinical use and research. 

Currently, umbilical cord stem cell therapy is a mature biologic technology which is being developed to treat nearly 70 diseases including: heart disease, brain damages, leukemia, cancers, and blood diseases (Moise, 2005). 

Moreover, researchers and scientists are exploring the use of stem cell therapies to treat sugar diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, burns, organic repair and rebirth (Moise, 2005).

There remain problems with umbilical cord stem cell therapy however. For example, transplant rejection is a severe issue, which can endanger patients’ lives. According to current research, survival rates are decreased by fifty percent when stem cells from an unrelated donor are used for medical treatment, compared to stem cells from a relative (Regalado, 2002). 

Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapies vs. Other Therapy Methods 

Even though many diseases have other treatment options, umbilical cord stem cell therapies are often the best choice. Below are some examples of why umbilical cord stem cell therapies are a good choice: 

1. Heart disease – Traditional medication and surgery can relieve heart disease in order to extend life; however, they cannot treat diseases completely and can have many adverse side effects. (Bioon, 2005). Umbilical cord stem cell therapy attempts to repair the heart’s cells. Also, there are no side effects, decreased pain, and smaller scars. 

2. Leukemia – Chemotherapy uses potent drugs to target and kill abnormal cells and can extend life, however it also kills healthy cells. In addition, patients suffer from chemotherapy treatment tremendously. Bone marrow stem cell therapy is one of the best ways to deal with leukemia; nevertheless, the matching donor rate is lower than 0.001% (Bioon, 2005).

How to Collect and Save Umbilical Cord Blood 

Umbilical cord blood can be used to treat many diseases, and may be more useful yet in the future. However, the rate of people who save their umbilical cord blood is very low because of misunderstandings and fear. Therefore, there is important information for people to know the truth about the collection, use and potential health benefits of umbilical cord blood therapy. 

Women who have children have a unique opportunity to collect and save genetically unique umbilical cord blood. The entire collection process is safe, simple, painless, noninvasive for both the mother and baby, and takes minutes to perform. 

According to an email from LifeBank, a Canadian umbilical cord blood bank, there are various methods used to collect umbilical cord blood. First of all, blood is drawn from the umbilical cord directly using a conventional needle and syringe. This method requires transferring the umbilical cord blood into a lab tube. Secondly, put blood from the cord into an open tube. Thirdly, the umbilical cord is drawn up the blood into a needle-less syringe (Personal communication, July 1, 2007). 

There are no standards for the collection and processing established thus far. However, according to an email from LifeBank, there are several points that must be followed:  

1. The attending physician or midwife must perform the cord blood collection procedure; 

2. The collection of cord blood may occur before or after the delivery of the placenta;  

3. Cord blood is to be collected under sterile conditions to preserve the health of the stem cells, and must be labelled with the mother’s name, an identifier code, the date of storage, and an inventory number immediately following collection; 

4. Special packaging provided by the umbilical cord blood bank must be used to ship the blood to the umbilical cord blood bank; 

5. The processing of cord blood must begin within 24-36 hours of collection (personal communication, July 1, 2007). 

Once collected, umbilical cord blood is sent to umbilical cord blood bank for state-of-the-art cryogenic freezing and long-term storage. All samples must be stored according to rigorous regulatory standards. Currently, no expiration date has been assigned to cord blood stored under continuous liquid nitrogen.  

Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplants  

Bone marrow stem cell transplant is a well-known stem cell therapy. It is also the most mature technique of the stem cell therapies. It is often used to treat leukemia and other various blood diseases. People often think of bone marrow stem cells as the same as umbilical cord blood stem cells, when in fact there are big differences between them. For example, umbilical cord blood stem cells are embryonic stem cells, whereas bone marrow stem cells are mature stem cells. This is the reason bone marrow stem cell transplants require a higher HLA matching degree (Cohen, 2007).  

How Do Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplants Treat Leukemia?  

Leukemia is the cancer of white blood cells. It results when white blood cells begin to grow and function abnormally. These abnormal cells cannot fight infection and interfere with the functions of organs (Genetic Science Learning Center). Successful treatment for leukemia involves killing the abnormal leukocytes in the patient.  

In a bone marrow transplant, the patient's bone marrow stem cells are replaced with those from a healthy, matching donor. If the transplant is successful, the stem cells will migrate into the patient's bone marrow and begin producing new, healthy blood cells to replace the abnormal cells (Genetic Science Learning Center).  

Skin and Hair Follicle Stem Cells 

Research on skin and hair follicle stem cells is newer and more limited than umbilical cord blood and bone marrow stem cell research. Its major use is to renew skin and hair growth for skin burns and alopecia. Skin and hair follicle stem cells are plentiful and can be retrieved readily. Moreover, scientists are investigating skin and hair follicle stem cell therapy for the repair of organs, hairdressing, and the removal of wrinkles.  

CONCLUSION  

The purpose of this background technical report is to make the reader aware that there are other stem cell research methods. Ethically sound methods that do not involve destroying the embryo with the hopes of finding a cure for incurable diseases.  

One way that this type of stem cell research might develop in the future is by seeking support from pro-life interest groups and developing a high profile marketing agenda, as well as by focusing more on non-ethically charged experiments in stem cell research.

Further issues that require attention is ethical considerations, improvement in medical procedures, including stem cell extraction and how it is administered to the patient. Stem cell research, as discussed in this background report can be utilized to heal numerous injuries, illnesses, and diseases.

REFERENCES

 Bioon net. (2005, January). Retrieved June 20, 2007, from https://www.bioon.com/Article/clinic02/87934.shtml

 China pregnant net. (2005, August). Retrieved July 3, 2007, from https://www.5721.net/Pregnant/news%5C20058%5CNews50%5C10175445.shtml

 Cohen, M. (2007). Stem Cells: Tapping a Different Source [Electronic version]. Business Week Online, 9. Retrieved June 21, 2007, from Academic Search Premier database.  

Hoffman, R. M. (2007). The potential of nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells in regenerative medicine 7, 289. Retrieved June 30, 2007, from https://www.metamouse.com/D33.pdf

 Human hair follicle stem cells. (2006, January 6). Medical News Today. Retrieved June 30, 2007, from, www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=35818

Learning More about Your Disease. (n.d.). National Marrow Donor Program. Retrieved July 2, 2007, from https://www.marrow.org/PATIENT/Undrstnd_Disease_Treat/Lrn_about_Disease/index.html

 Moise, K. J. (2005). Umbilical Cord Stem Cells [Electronic version]. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 106(6), 1393. Retrieved June 21, 2007 from Academic Search Premier Database. 

Stem Cell Basics. (n. d.). The National Institute of Health. Retrieved June 30, 2007, from, https://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics4.asp

 Stem Cell Therapies Today. (n.d). Genetic Science Learning Center. Retrieved July 4, 2007, from https://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/stemcells/sctoday/

 Regalado, A. (2002, April 24). Banking on Umbilical Cords. Wall Street Journal - Eastern Edition. Retrieved June 21, 2002, from https://www.biocord.co.il/page_sub.asp?topic_id=4&topic2_id=281