How can stem cells affect and change the human

lifespan?
Mikaela
Engracia
May 27,2016
BioChem Inquiry, P4

Although mankind is considered to be in Phylum Animalia, many defining

characteristics are set apart from primitive untamed savages. There is mainly the
brain, workings of the limitless mind that allows humans to question reality and
build civilizations. Moreover, humans are products of complex and intricate
components that work together in harmony for the efficiency of daily tasks.
Throughout generations, evolution successfully shifts and adjusts itself for the
benefits of survival and which now leads this race to superiority within the
animal kingdom. However, how has this come to be when humans only
fundamentally consist of flesh and bone? The answer lies within the
extraordinary discoveries and experimentation of stem cells. It is essential that
these bases gives framework and system for the body to function well. As most
creatures naturally strive for longevity, the body works to maintain itself, yet
harmful diseases from bacteria, viruses, and injuries cause hindrances and
drawbacks in growth. The development of a child and their lifespan may change
constantly under severe circumstances such as a loss or reconstruction of an
organ. In this paper, we will be examining the significance of stem cells as we
delve into research and reason for how they impact us and its outlook into the
future of scientific and medical studies. With regards to this topic, we will also
explore the different types of these cells, their biological gains, how they may
transform, and its ethical & religious concerns.
To fully understand the subject, we must first start with an explanation as
to what these are. Stem cells are the structural foundations in which life
successfully emerges into a fully functioning organism. They are exceptional in
that they are undistinguished, having the ability to transform into any specialized
cell within the body. Specialized cells are programmed with their own functions
but stem cells can grow to become anything as they build into what is needed
such as cells for the blood, brain, organ, bone, heart, etc. This is known as
differentiation. From cells, it builds to form tissues, and finally the organ.
Remarkably, stem cells also act to repair internal injuries as they have the ability
to divide at a considerable rate while maintaining a balance between becoming
differentiated cells and staying unspecialized. Cell division allows these cells to
self sufficiently replicate at long extended periods of time. Overall, they are
responsible for replenishing the body and replacing the old, dying, and diseased
cells throughout ones life. (learn.genetics.utah.edu, 2016; "Stem Cell FAQ", n.d.)

Types of stem cells

Although there are different types of stem cells, all still have the ability
and freedom to convert into various cells. Two of the most well known kinds are
the adult and embryonic units.

Categories of adult stem cells, also known as somatic or tissue-specific

cells, can also be divided into the multipotent and induced pluripotent. They
originate in different parts of a mature body including the bone marrow, fat,
heart, and skin. However, despite their presence throughout the individual, they
can only be located in specific areas of tissues and self renew at different times.
Accordingly, replication also does not occur unless it is needed and may remain
dormant until triggered. Multipotent adult stem cells are in small quantities and
may be limited in becoming specialized cells depending on their location. This is
known as transdifferentiation. For example, stem cells in an organ such as the
stomach is only restricted to the cells that make it up (ie. goblet cells, paneth
cells, absorptive cells, etc.) This gives an increased probability of regenerating
the entire organ. Meanwhile, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) can
become almost anything and are produced through adult cells by force of
changing gene expressions to become more embryonic-like. This is what the
word induced in its name indicates. Pluripotent means they have the ability to
become any cell within the body (ie. skin, liver, intestine, blood, brain, muscle
etc.) Unfortunately, these adult stem cells are difficult to find and culture inside a
laboratory due to interference in its natural division and it is hard to control their
impulsive behavior of transforming into distinct cells. (NHIH, 2015;
eurostemcell.org, 2012)
On the other hand, human embryonic stem cells (hES cells) are much
easier to produce in the laboratory environment. It can be found within an
embryo that is developed from fertilized eggs in a special in vitro clinic as
patients willingly donate them for scientific purposes. The human embryo is
known as a blastocyst in its early stages of development at four to five days, and
contains a fluid known as the blastocoel and the inner cell mass called an
embryoblast. During this time, it consists of approximately 100 cells. The
embryoblast is extracted and transferred to a culture dish but the embryo itself is
destroyed in the process. As favorable conditions are met, they continue cell
division as embryonic stem cells. These are naturally pluripotent and may remain
unspecialized unless clusters begin to form into embryoid bodies, beginning to
differentiate at an offhand spontaneous rate. Despite receiving this as a good
indication of health, it proves to be difficult to handle and lead them to the
needed specific cells.
(NHIH, 2015; eurostemcell.org, 2012)

How can stem cells be used to treat and cure the ill or diseased?
With the promising potential of stem cells, it is no surprise that scientists
have begun working to harness and control their abilities. One of the main goals,
as well as an initial stage, is to identify the process of the stem cell
differentiation, transforming into specialized units. Genetics play a significant
role in their creation as varying codes signal for distinctive types of cells in
organs and tissues. For this reason, understanding the process aids towards
explaining medical conditions and problems at birth. Moreover, yielding enough

information and data of diseases to produce successful treatments and therapies

specifically for patients or against illnesses. Since 2007, the use of cells
originating from embryonic stem cells have been abandoned due to a spark of
ethical controversy. As a result, it has led to induced pluripotent adult stem cells
that behave similarly to embryos. The other option is to simply locate
multipotent adult stem cells from the specific area of the tissue/organ that is
functioning abnormally. In any case, there must also be the consideration that
the patients immune system should not reject transplants. Adult stem cells
coming from the patient themselves, guarantees no possible denial to its own
embodiment. (nature.com, 2007)
Stem cells are used to replace lost or damaged tissues from injury in a
branch of biomedical engineering known as regenerative medicine. According to
the the Government of Canada, there are 4,500 patients who were also waiting
for an organ donation in 2014. Unfortunately, numbers continue to increase and
the gap between donors and receivers are not closing in. Stem cell regeneration
offers a renewable source for doctors to replace benefactors, ultimately saving
both sides of the group. The International Society of Stem Cell Research suggests
that blood stem cell transplantation is thoroughly investigated and widely used
to treat conditions involving the immune system and blood. These include sickle
cell anemia as stem cells obtained from the bone marrow can become oxygen
rich red blood cells, disease-fighting white blood cells, or platelets. There is an
estimated amount of 1,000 Canadians who are in need of these transplants
according to the Canadian Blood Services.
(Fiona M. Watt, 2010; healthycanadians.gc.ca, 2016)
Neurons may also be replaced when damaged by the spinal cord,
Parkinsons, or Alzheimers disease. For those with diabetes or a serious case of
heart problems, stem cells can be coaxed to become pancreatic beta cells or
heart muscle cells. Using stem cell lines would also have a lower risk of genetic
mutations. As far as weve come, there is no solid evidence to prove the extents
of how many diseases may be cured given the current knowledge and
applications of stem cell research. In theory, they may even have a possibility of
a breakthrough to any range of medical conditions. Furthermore, culturing stem
cell lines provides the opportunity to test drugs and their effects on specific
organs. This would aid in the identification and prevention of detrimental
medications, stimulants, or pollutants, before released into the public. Overall,
reducing the amount of death and increasing the probability of a longer life.
(nature.com, 2007)

How do somatic cells become induced pluripotent?

Forcibly generating pluripotent adult stem cells requires meticulous hands,
through a steady performance of accuracy and precision. For more than a year,
researchers have been modifying and regulating the response of certain
chemicals in order to reprogram cells. In one of many successful cases, Hongkui
Deng and his team from Beijings Peking University, managed to isolate a

compound known as 3-Deazaneplanocine A (DZNep), acting as a catalyst

through late stages of differentiation, with given results of 0.2% cell conversion
when combined with six other small- molecule chemicals. It was performed using
mouse embryos due to restrictions on human experimentation. Although it is a
small amount, it is still an arguably outstanding outcome since unspecialized
cells are finicky. The elements that compose DZNep is oxygen, nitrogen,
hydrogen and carbon, combined to produce C 12H14N4O3. (wikipedia.org 2016;
Cyranoski, 2013)
The process of cell differentiation through external cues and simulants is
known as signal transduction. They are constantly interacting with the
environment, changing in behavior by triggering a series of chemicals including
hormones. These molecular signals attach to the outermost layer of the cell,
known as the cell membrane, and binds to protein receptors which engulf and
lead it to the inside, causing the reaction. In cases that it cannot pass through
the membrane, protein kinases is activated. Kinases are enzymes that use
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to move a phosphate group to proteins, eventually
resulting in phosphorylated proteins. The chemical formula of ATP is C10H16N5O13P3
and is usually known as the molecular unit of currency because of its task to
transport chemical energy inside a cell. To prevent the continuous state of being
activated from kinases, phosphatase (another enzyme) removes the phosphate
group. These two work together to manage the transformation of cells when
chemicals fail to pass through the membrane as well as their cellular functions.
("Cells, Differentiation, and Signals", 2008; wikipedia.org, 2016)

What are the ethical and religious issues that oppose further
advancement in research of stem cells?
There is a controversial debate regarding the use and rapid progress of
this biological finding and with its particular regards to embryos. Like many
debates, people of different occupations and views feel obligated to express their
arguments, such as politicians, the government, scientists, and ethicists, who are
then covered by the media. Issues are brought about the moral dilemma of its
management and destruction as we struggle as a progressing race to determine
the importance of our values in society and as an individual. It is between the
responsibility of relieving pain for those suffering or adhere to the moral
obligation of valuing every possible human life. As mentioned earlier, embryonic
stem cells are much easier to culture, use, and therefore, research for potential
applications in order to learn more about the body. However, every single one
that is used will be destroyed in the process. The problem kicks in with the
controversy of the moral status of this embryo. Does it have the same
equivalence as a fully grown individual despite lacking organs and ability to think
for itself?
Many believe that from fertilization and onwards it gains full privileges
equal to a man. It is simply beginning to develop, constantly changing over time
and although it is still at a very early stage, it will eventually become a human

and should be given equal rights and respect in this regard. Since it was
originally taken from within the female, it is restricted from its original purpose;
to live. In other words, it can be seen as a morally deplorable act of taking a
babys life for the treatment of other people by harvesting it. The idea of murder
is unsettling yet another possibility of the future of this research can be
considered. With large advancements, embryos may eventually be generated
only with the purpose of being destroyed which others see as a genocide.
Nonetheless, it is undeniably true that every living being has been through the
embryonic stage and therefore, embryos hold the same rights and privileges of
a full grown man. (eurostemcell.org, 2015; HSCI, 2007)
Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, others oppose and strongly
disagree due to the strong and vast differences that vary in each state. An
embryo that is not implanted in a female is unable to grow and therefore develop
emotional or physical properties. It needs external aid in order to obtain the
features and form considered to be normal. Even if it is implanted in the uterus
through in vitro fertilization, the probability of a successful birth is low. What
could be human should not be treated as if it is already human. With this in mind,
it would also be unable to show interest in being protected. It then reinforces the
argument that the idea in which leftover embryos would benefit more for
patients who are truly considered people. They are organic materials similar to
every other part of the body until advanced enough to survive by itself. Just like
how a skin cell, liver cell, or stomach cell, are parts of a human, yet none are
considered a person. (eurostemcell.org, 2015; J. Sandel & R. McHugh, 2004)

Law and Legislation

Governments around the world have passed multiple laws for stem cell
research, varying greatly in each country. An accepted and commonly known
legislation is the obtainment of human embryos through consent of using a
patients leftover eggs. Most find this appropriate but unfortunately, tension still
arises as new disagreements continue with determining proper procedures to
carry out its studies. Not to mention, funding is a problem that is debated in
regards to how money should be obtained. There is an uncertainty of whether it
is reasonable to use taxes to fund an ethical practice that some citizens find
controversial. Despite this, some legislators encourage and promote the positive
impact of stem cell research while considering the values of human life. There
are approximately 300 stem cell lines around the globe with five well known
countries (America, UK, France, Sweden, and Spain) holding about two-thirds of
the total amount. If studies are permitted in the country, the number of stem cell
lines possessed are also limited and may even differ such as for America, varying
in each state. Every countrys system of beliefs also play an important factor that
affects this.
(learn.genetics.utah.edu, 2016; eurostemcell.org, 2015)

Through Religion
In another outlook, religions range in the views of handling the surplus of
embryos in specialized clinics along with the conduct of its research. The

definition of humanity itself is inconclusive and unclear, much less continuing

with the attempts of establishing the true beginning of man. Three of the major
religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) hold varying perspectives. Many
Christians and Catholics believe that humanity begins upon conception, therefore
the destruction of embryos is a crime equal to killing another. They greatly
oppose and disagree further progress. "It now seems undeniable that once we
cross the fundamental moral line that prevents us from treating any fellow
human being as a mere object of research, there is no stopping point...The only
moral stance that affirms the human dignity of all of us is to reject the first step
down this path." says Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Meanwhile, Muslims and
Jews alike are similar in that conception begins late into an embryos
development. Jews believe that an embryo becomes human at 40 days while
Muslims believe that a soul only enters the child at around 40 to120 days. Some
religions take a more lenient approach and may sometimes support stem cell
research as there are different levels of acceptance. Although in either case,
there are still rigid guidelines and restrictions that remain.
(Powell, 2007; Murnaghan, 2014; Frazier O'Brien, 2016)
Many believe that these have slowed down the progress and
advancements that could have been made, preventing the recovery of numerous
patients in need. As a result it has shortened the life of individuals who were
already filled with dreams and potential.

Conclusion
Although there is still much research, data, and laboratory work to be done
regarding the capabilities of stem cells, they are a significant stepping stone in
the scientific and medical field. Its discovery has led to a new area for specialists
to help ill and diseased people, benefitting the working economy and growing
society. As a constantly changing and adapting species, views shift among
people of different age, gender, and beliefs as they play a role in determining the
outcome of such questionable subjects. Regardless, its current progress has, and
continues, to be positively beneficial for those who now appreciate lifes
blessings with prolonged lives and alleviated discomforts.

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