Adult Stem Cell Research What It Can Do and The Church’s Position

What are adult stem cells? Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells, found throughout the body after embryonic development, that multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues. (Wikipedia)

Why do we care? Scientific interest in adult stem cells is centered on their ability to divide or self- renew indefinitely, and generate all the cell types of the organ from which they originate, potentially regenerating the entire organ from a few cells. (Wikipedia)

What does this mean? According to experiment-resources.com: “Stem cell research can potentially help treating a range of medical problems. It could lead humanity closer to better treat and possibly cure a number of diseases.” “Better treatment of these diseases could also give significant social benefits for individuals and economic gains for society.”

Where do adult stem cells come from? “Adult Tissues - In adults, stem cells are present within various tissues and organ systems. These include the bone marrow, liver, epidermis, retina, skeletal muscle, intestine, brain, dental pulp, and elsewhere. Even fat obtained from liposuction has been shown to contain significant numbers of adult type stem cells. “ “Umbilical cords, placentas and amniotic fluid - Adult type stem cells can be derived from various pregnancy-related tissues. “ “Cadavers - Neural stem cells have been removed from specific areas in post- mortem human brains as late as 20 hours following death.”

How can it help? Parkinson’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease Heart Diseases, Stroke and Diabetes (Type 1) Birth Defects Spinal Cord Injuries Replace or Repair Damaged Organs Reduced Risk of Transplantation (You could possibly get a copy of your own heart in a heart- transplantation in the future Stem cells may play a major role in cancer

True Story

Carol J Franz was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma bone marrow cancer in December Her stem cells were harvested, frozen and stored before receiving chemotherapy. In May 2003, once chemo had destroyed her disease, her cells were returned and she claimed to be “physically reborn”.

What does the church think? The church is opposed to embryonic stem cell research because it involves the destruction of embryos, but it supports the use of adult stem cells, which are found in the bodies of all humans. Adult stem cell research holds out the promise of a large step forward in the healing process. This research has been described as the most promising advance in medical science in the last decades. Evangelium Vitae: 10 th Aniversary

The church supports it “The Catholic Church fully supports research and treatment with adult stem cells. Using adult stem cells for treatment and research is the same as using donated blood or a donated kidney to study disease or treat a person with kidney failure.” Charlotte Diocese

“The Vatican first announced in late April that it would be endorsing adult stem cell research.” Marketwire.com

“With all of the controversy surrounding stem cells, the Catholic Church has stepped forward to endorse adult stem cell research through Neostem, Inc. (AMEX: NBS), including a $1 million investment and pledge to educate priests, schools and hospitals on its benefits.”

Church Thought As long as the person is willing to give stem cells, the Catholic Church has no problem with the ongoing studies of what the adult stem cell can do.

Final Note “No scientific, technological, or medical advances should take place divorced from human conscience and moral and ethical consideration.” Evangelium Vitae