This paper attempts to analyze different imaging modalities as they pertain to the targeting and tracking of stem cells within the body. Nuclear medicine modalities, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), are utilized to image the physiological changes within the body and the migration of stem cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to target and track stem cells while maintaining their viability. Although these modalities are effective, their high cost can be somewhat prohibitive. Ultrasound could be a possible technique for targeting the final location of stem cells. Optical imaging modalities- bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and fluorescence imaging (FLI) can be used as a low-cost way of imaging cells in the long term. A combination of any of these modalities can be used to compensate for their disadvantages. In order to produce an effective stem cell therapy, more research should be done in this field.
Keywords: Positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, bioluminescent, fluorescence
Utilizing Imaging Modalities to Target and Track Stem Cells Research on stem cells has indicated new possible therapies and treatment for people with conditions that were once considered terminal. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer 's disease, and multiple sclerosis are a few of the many diseases that stem cells might be able to treat. Stem cells have the
Stem Cell research and its funding have caused a lot of controversy throughout the past years. Stem cells are cells that are present in all living organisms. These cells have the potential to grow into any type of cell, including blood cells, nerves, muscles, and pancreatic cells. Stem cell research is essential because of the beneficial aspects it has to offer. Stem cells could potentially treat conditions such as Alzheimer 's, Parkinson 's, birth defects, strokes, Diabetes, cancer, and help in the reconstruction of severely damaged organs. Although stem cell research withholds great potential for many medical advances, a lot of controversy surrounds the sources and methods of obtaining stem cells and the possibility of improper usage of the knowledge acquired from research and experimentation. It is necessary for scientist to continue research as well as recognizing any ethical issues that may be present.
With the hopes of curing the patient’s afflictions, these newly grown cells would then be transplanted into the patient. With this approach come major problems such as the formation of tumours, which is caused by the distinguishing trait of stem cells. Because stem cells are able to divide for an unlimited amount of time, it has been found that the cells will not know when to stop dividing and they will continue to divide even after being transplanted into the patient (Herold 48). This form of treatment is counterproductive, as uncontrollable cell division will produce tumours and potentially cause cancer, which is one of the ailments that stem cell research promises to cure.
. Embryonic stem cells have been identified by scientist as a type of stem cell that can advance regenerative medicine. The potential of regenerative medicine ranges from allowing pancreatic cells to produce insulin for diabetics to reconnecting the nerves in severed spinal cords. However, the greatest potential embryonic stem cells presents are its ability to change into any of the more than 200 different cell types in the body. This ability to change into any cell type can produce cures for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or any of the other conditions that stem cell therapy might help therefore improving the lives of those who live with these
“I truly believe that stem cell research is going to allow our children to look at Alzheimer’s and diabetes and other major diseases the way we look at polio today, which is a preventable disease” (Solomon). Susan Solomon has founded the New York Stem Cell Foundation and has been seen as the hero for stem cell scientists around the world. Over the past couple years, stem cell research has been at its high; scientists all over the world are using these cells to try to find new ways to cure life threatening diseases. Some have used stem cells to treat patients who have been brain dead recently and these cells made the dead portion of the brain start functioning again. Also, some scientists and doctors have
Many of us have all heard the saying that a “lizard can lose its tail,” and bizarrely enough it will grow back. This was always considered impossible for humans, an idea belonging in the realm of science fiction, but now the regeneration of tissue is an extremely realistic possibility. Despite some opinions, this process does not happen naturally, or take place as cinematically as one might imagine. Over the past decade, there have been major advances in regenerative medicine, commonly known as stem cell research. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells within the body that have the capability to specialize into any tissue. They are most commonly found in cord blood, bone marrow, organ donations, placenta, and embryos . Stem cells are seen by some as a new miracle treatment, encouraging many countries to invest in their research.
“Genetic engineering and drug development can cure and therapies of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, so embryonic stem cells in not the only way to treat patients” (McLean 3). People witness the development of cancer treatments with the enhancement of more effective drugs. Also, nanotechnology allows scientists to deliver drugs only to the cancerous cells, so that the nearby healthy cells remain unaffected. Genetic engineering provides prospect in curing Parkinson’s disease which causes loss of body control. “Scientists develop Parkinson’s disease in laboratory mice to and genetically engineer their nerve cells to make them become light sensitive. When these nerve cells are exposed to light, then nerve impulses travel along them and the mice are again able to move their bodies” (McLean 4). People speculate that this discovery can be used to cure Parkinson’s in humans. Critics of embryonic stem cell research believe that people don’t need to pursuing embryonic stem cell research will be negated by promising advances in drug development and genetic
The disease stem cells could fix is called Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The reason I chose this topic is because I have seen first hand how badly someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease is affected in their daily lives. This disease completely takes over their lives and they turn into a completely different person who can hardly function. AD is very tough on the loved ones of the person suffering from it because that person, most of the time has no idea what is going on or who their loved ones are. The memories for people with AD is completely gone and even the simplest tasks such as remembering to use the bathroom becomes difficult. The way stem cells could be feasible is because stem cell-based therapies could potentially treat
From the medical perspective, stem cell research is viewed as very promising due to the fact that if stem cells can be introduced into patients with a range of illnesses, they could possible help regenerate the tissues and organs of the patients and thereby help heal illnesses (and especially degenerative illnesses) that are currently incurable. For example, Lovell-Badge has indicated that diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease are among the illnesses that could
Diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are caused by dopamine levels in the brain being very low or not existent at all. With stem cell research, researchers can help regrow new and healthy brain cells to help address complications with these diseases. Stem cells can also help with neurological complications and replace spinal cord neurons.
Stem cell therapy has helped researchers learn more about the growth of human cells and their development Stem cell therapy has many medical benefits. Researcher found a way to use stem cell to clone animals and organs. Stem cell therapy shows unlimited potential in the treatment of a number of conditions like Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, cancer, diabetes and possible organ failure. Stem cell research will allow scientists to test a number of potential medicines and drugs without continuing experimental test on animals and humans. The drug can be tested on a population of cells directly.
Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Alzheimer’s. This world is plague by countless diseases and there existed a time where, after many failed research attempts, scientists began to believe that people would always suffer from these diseases. However, with the introduction of stem cell research those past notions were dismissed. Upon their introduction, stem cell’s provided a new hope to the world and it proved itself to be an invaluable asset. Through stem cell research, a multitude of cures have been brought upon the world and these diseases that were uncontrollable in the past, can now be regulated and the ones suffering from now have a chance at living a better life. Sadly, there are many people who
It is estimated that nearly 1,658,370 new cancer cases will occur in 2015 year, but with larger funding for stem cell research it would be possible to save lives and lessen this number in years to come (American Cancer Society, 2015). Major diseases throughout the world like Parkinson's, has affected many people, but with the help of stem cell research there has been breakthroughs in which the cure of the disease can be severely benefited from this research. Alzheimer's is greatly concerned with the elder population in today's society with more funding for stem cell research the concern can be decreased for those who suffer from this disease. Besides from these diseases the majority of stem cell research focuses on cancer, with more and more
Scientists once believed that human adult stem cells could be used, but that idea was quickly put to rest when scientists discovered that the cells may be damaged by sunlight or toxins in the air, as well as the fact that adult stem cells may contain more DNA abnormalities. Stem cell research could one day lead to the cures of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (NIH, FAQ's, 1).
Reflect back to the year 1984, to the tragic day former professional boxer Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In a blink of an eye, Ali’s career slipped through his fingertips. Unfortunately, many tragedies such as Ali’s occur everyday whether it is due to an accident or disease. I can relate to this issue along with others who may know someone who suffers from a life long disease such as Parkinson’s, paralysis, or diabetes. For quite some time these diseases have been seen as incurable but embryotic stem cells may hold the cure. With that said, many researchers in the medical field have become quite involved in the study of stem cells. A stem cell is an immature cell that has the potential to become specialized into
this research would be to identify the factors that are involved in the cell making process that determines cell specialization. A few of our extreme medical conditions, like birth defects and cancer, are a direct result of abnormal cell specialization. If researchers obtain a better understanding of the normal cellular process, they can isolate the causes of these deadly illnesses. The most exciting potential use for stem cells is the generation of tissues and cells. Many diseases are a direct result from complications of cellular functions or destruction of tissues in the body. Many people donate organs and tissues to replace failing or destroyed tissues. Unfortunately, there are many more people suffering from these disorders than there are organs to transplant. That is where stem cells step in. They will give humans a chance to have a renewable source of cells and tissues that will treat a slue of diseases, and disabilities such as, Parkinson’s, stroke, burns, Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injury, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and