On August 23, 2000, the National Institutes of Health published guidelines for the use of human pluripotent stem cells in research. For scientists, medical professionals, and many people with disabling conditions this was a welcome piece of news. Others are upset by the news, feeling the weight of serious ethical concerns. Others don't quite know what to think. Will stem cell research result in treatment options for disabling conditions, including blindness? Does stem cell research infringe on the right to life? Answering these questions means educating ourselves about stem cell research and the ethical issues surrounding it.
Stem cells are cells which can divide in the laboratory and which have the ability to develop into certain kinds of specialized tissues. There are several types of stem cells, all of which are not used for research. The stem cells being used for research are called human pluripotent stem cells. These cells can develop into most of the organs and tissues of the human body, but they cannot develop into a human life without the help of other types of cells. (National Institutes of Health) These stem cells can be derived from fertilized eggs at a certain point during the development of the embryo. More information about this process is available in the NIH's publication, "Stem Cells: A Primer," which can be read online at the above link.
Stem cell research is important in the field of blindness because certain cells in the eyes can be damaged and result in visual impairment. Stem cells have been used in corneal transplants and also have potential to develop into photoreceptor cells. The availability of photoreceptor cells for transplantation would benefit people with degenerative retinal conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital amaurosis and macular degeneration.
Because stem cells are derived from the cells of embryos and fetuses, the NIH does not regard stem cell research as research using embryos. Stem cells are derived from embryos which were originally donated for infertility treatments or from fetuses which were aborted for other reasons (NIH factsheet. However, the fact that these cells come from embryos and fetuses in the first place sparks serious debate regarding ethical concerns about their use in research and treatment. The National Institutes of Health has released guidelines regarding their use, but these guidelines have not necessarily calmed the emotions of religious organizations. In answer to the expressed concerns of these organizations, people with conditions which could be treated using the results of stem cell research cry out in anger, "How can this be fair? How can one segment of society impose its views on everyone?"
If stem cells from adults could be used to achieve the same therapeutic effects which pluripotent stem cells can be used for, a solution to the ethical debate would be found. The National Institutes of Health reports in "Stem Cells: A Primer" that while adult stem cells may be able to develop into different tissues and while using these cells in cell therapies would reduce the risk of immune system rejection, a number of problems exist regarding their use. These include the possibility of genetic defects which may already be present and responsible for the illness being treated, cell damage due to environmental influence, lack of knowledge about the potential of adult stem cells, difficulty with methods of extracting the cells, and lack of time for the cells to develop in culture in order to treat a condition effectively.
Mike May, whose blindness was caused by injuries to the cornea during early childhood, had a stem cell transplant in November, 1999. Stem cells were transplanted into the area around the cornea where scar tissue had formed and prevented previous cornea transplants from being effective. The stem cell transplant itself did not allow him to see; however, it did allow for a successful cornea transplant. More information about his experiences and the application of stem cell research to eye diseases and conditions is available on the Sendero Group's Website.
AAAS/ICS
Infor ation
The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute for Civilized Society performed a study to aid in the development of proposed guidelines for stem cell research. Here you can read more about their work.
Stem Cell Research Offers Potential Benefits for People with Diabetes
This is a position paper from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Information is rather dated, but it provides a good explanation of how stem cells could be used for the treatment of diabetes.
A Revolutionary War Over Stem Cells
Dr. Glenn McGee discusses the progress which the United States and Britain have made in working with stem cells.
Scientists Fear Stem Cell Ban
This article summarizes the process by which stem cells are obtained and the debate over funding stem cell research.
Religious Leaders Question Research
Tom Adate summarizes the proceedings of a seminar entitled "Genetics and Justice" which was held in Berkeley, CA.
NIH Stem Cell Guidelines
This is the text of the guidelines for stem cell research released in August, 2000.
Do No Harm
This page discusses advances in the use of adult stem cells.
America: The Stem Cell Report
This is an excellent article presenting the history of the debate over the use of human embryos for stem cell research.
This document is copyright 2003 by Sarah J. Blake. For permission to reprint, please email Sarah at sarah@growingstrong.org.
Sarah J. Blake is a person with a visual impairment who has also studied blindness and eye conditions. She is not an eye care professional, and information on this site is not a substitute for face-to-face consultation with an eye care professional. This site is designed solely to assist patients and doctors in building cooperative relationships.
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