Vatican Supports Stem Cell Research, NIH Opens New Lines

Research into stem cells is one of the most controversial forms of medical research. The cash now available for both embryonic and adult stem cells will be increased with the new support announced today. New embryonic stem cell research guidelines have been released by the NIH and the Vatican will be funding adult stem cells.

Research into stem cells

For good reason, stem cell research is a very emotionally loaded topic. Some medical researchers say stem cells might be able to regrow damaged body parts or cure diseases. Stem cells are cells in the body that are “undefined” and have the potential of becoming just about any type of body cell. The embryos that are the basis of embryonic stem cell lines come from fertility treatments, and would otherwise be unused. Adult stem cells are forced to regress into stem cell state after harvesting.

Embryonic stem cell research guidelines from NIH

The question of embryonic stem cell research has been a difficult political question for the United States government. In 2001, President George W. Bush limited federal funding for embryonic stem cell research to the lines already in existence. This left 21 lines of embryonic stem cell research available. After taking office, President Obama lifted that restriction, although stronger ethical guidelines were put in place. The new stem cell research guidelines indicate that embryonic stem cells must be donated by couples that have been “fully informed of other options”.

NIH approves 13 lines of embryonic stem cell research

The new guidelines instituted by the National Institutes of Health created many questions about which lines of stem cell research would be allowed. This morning, the NIH announced that 13 additional lines had been approved for embryonic stem cell research, including four lines that account for almost 90 percent of stem cell research publications between 1999 and 2008.

Adult stem cell research to be funded by the Vatican

In a surprising move, the Vatican announced they would help fund a line of adult stem cell research. The Vatican chose the Intestinal Stem Cell Consortium to receive funding. Intestinal stem cells are adult stem cells that are especially active. The Vatican continues to hold that they consider embryonic stem cells being used for research to be “gravely immoral”. A mix of emotions were evident when the Director of Stem Cell Transplantation at Boston Children’s Hospital reacted to the Vatican statement. “I applaud the Vatican for funding any type of research, but this is another attempt to pit adult stem cells against embryonic when the two are used in very different ways and have potential for different conditions.”

Article Resources

Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/27/AR2010042703360.html

ABC News

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/vatican-backs-stem-cell-research/story?id=10447981