When people think of stem cells, the type they have in their minds is the embryonic stem cell (ESC).

This article explains what ESCs are and what the current state of the research is.

ESCs are obviously derived from embryos and are pluripotential, meaning they can easily differentiate into any body tissue.

The history of ESC research is interesting. The first experiments that described self-renewing cells were done in mouse cancer models. These were the first cells that showed the ability to not only self-duplicate but to also differentiate into multiple types of tissue. Obviously, this ability also serves as a warning that cells that are capable of self-multiplication are also capable of escaping control and becoming malignant.

Later experiments with human embryos showed the potential for stem cells to be preserved and cultured. Scientists have been able to induce embryonic stem cells to become any number of organ types including liver, nerve, eye, pancreas, and heart.

Experiments in mouse models have shown the ability of transplanted human pancreas cells to protect the recipient mouse from getting diabetes. In addition, experiments with human nerve cells have provided some encouraging results in mouse spinal cord injury. And finally, the use of human eye stem cells has been demonstrated to possibly retard the progression of macular degeneration.

Another beneficial use of ESCs is in the field of drug development. New drug compounds must be tested for safety and the most common areas where drug toxicity is most often tested for is the heart and the liver. These ESCs provide a fertile ground for preliminary drug testing. That means less potential expense related to drug development.

The pitfalls of ESCs are the following…

The first is the ethical dilemma which has restricted the amount of government spending towards ESC research.

The second obstacle is the risk of malignancy associated with cells that have not completely differentiated yet and are as potent as ESCs.

Another issue is that there is a theoretical problem with a graft versus host reaction. While immunosuppressive drugs might be able to mitigate the effects of this, these drugs are not without significant side effects.

And the final obstacle is this: so far, there have been few if any clinical trials involving ESCs and arthritis.

These studies will need to be randomized and controlled. Since there is a lack of government support, private sector funding will be required.

Anecdotal reports and small studies in arthritis have focused on the use of autologous stem cells derived from the patient. These cells have the potential to differentiate and to effect tissue healing.

Preliminary data is encouraging but without biotech or federal grants, the future development of autologous stem cells as a potential avenue for treatment of arthritis will be much slower than desired.

For more a more detailed explanation of stem cell research, readers are referred to an excellent review article (Power C, Rasko JEJ. Promises and Challenges of Stem Cell Research for Regenerative Medicine. Ann Intern Med. 2011; 155: 706-713).

Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a board-certified rheumatologist and nationally known arthritis authority and expert. For more info: Arthritis Treatment and Arthritis Treatment Center

Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a board-certified rheumatologist and nationally known arthritis authority and expert. For more info: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html Arthritis Treatment and Arthritis Treatment Center

Author Bio: Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a board-certified rheumatologist and nationally known arthritis authority and expert. For more info: Arthritis Treatment and Arthritis Treatment Center

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: stem cells, arthritis treatment, embryonic stem cells, autologous stem cells, arthritis