6 Pros and Cons of Adult Stem Cells

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Pros and Cons of Adult Stem Cells

We have made steadfast leaps in medical research and that has helped us understand our very own existence. One of the many fascinating evolutions in medical sciences has been the research pertaining to adult stem cells. Adult stem cells, which are at times referred to as somatic stem cells, hold promise as a possible cure for myriad life threatening and chronic diseases. Adult stem cells should not be confused with embryonic stem cells.

As such, there cannot be any assessment of adult stem cells pros and cons because medical research hasn’t really exposed any harm of procedures involving somatic stem cells. The pros and cons are more advantages and shortcomings of adult stem cells.

List of Adult Stem Cells Pros

1. Adult stem cells can be used to cure several diseases, including certain genetic conditions.
A few adult stem cells can lead to the growth of trillions of cells. The new cells would be specialized and can thus cure specific conditions. Adult stem cells can be used to prevent Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and many other conditions.

2. Adult stem cells are more likely to be effective compared to other remedies because there would be little to no possibility of rejection.
The adult stem cells of the recipient would have the same genetic code and hence the possibility of rejection almost doesn’t exist. The patient or ailing individual will essentially have new cells with his or her own genetic code.

3. Adult stem cells can repair tissues.
This can help in curing heart diseases, containing diabetes and curing many chronic illnesses, including age related medical conditions. Adult stem cells can be a life saver if its potential is realized.

List of Adult Stem Cells Cons

1. There is a dearth of adult stem cells that doctors can harvest.
There are many somatic stem cells in the adult body but not all are usable. The potential for growth is also stunted compared to embryonic stem cells, which is why the latter is deemed more precious by the medical fraternity.

2. Adult stem cells don’t replenish or replicate.
If adult stem cells have to be harvested, then there is only one shot for a given condition. If a patient suffers from multiple conditions that call for stem cell therapy then one may have to choose.

3. Slow in development.
Adult stem cells have been researched extensively and yet the technology to extract them and to harvest them to their fullest potential so one could have the best impact of the therapy is not fully developed.