Cambridge scientists have used stem cells that were "reprogrammed" from skin cells to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease in rodents, illustrating once again there is no reason to destroy tiny human embryos since stem cells with all the qualities of embryonic ones can be ethically obtained.
In the study, rats whose midbrains were damaged in a way to closely mimic Parkinson's received healthy neurons created from reprogrammed stem cells, The Boston Globe reported. Eight of the nine test rats showed marked improvement.
The U.K. National Stem Cell Network also is reporting success with adult-cells- turned-stem-cells, BBC News reported. The stem cells, created by taking biopsies from patients with diseases such as Huntington's and muscular dystrophy, might one day be used to regenerate affected parts of the body. In theory, they could be used to treat a wide range of disorders, from diabetes to Parkinson's.
"While these alternatives are encouraging, we need to remember that traditional adult stem cells — such as bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and nasal cells — are the only ones yielding treatments for patients," said Dawn Vargo, associate bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action.
