Parkinson’s disease is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in an area of the brain called the substania nigra. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter for these cells to communicate with other cells and when they fail, dopamine fails to reach the areas of the brain that control motor skills (Osorio, 2017). The rationale for treatment is in replacing dopamine-generating neurons which has to some extent been achieved using drugs like Levodopa (Lava, 2016). This drug inhibits dopamine breakdown in the liver which increases its levels in the brain. However, the positive results do not last long. As a result, researchers have turned to stem cell research as a possible permanent cure (Osorio, 2017).
Stem cells are those that can differentiate into any other cell type given the right conditions and researchers have considered using these to solve the dopamine deficiency for Parkinson’s disease (Osorio, 2017). Fetal cell transplantation involves implanting stem cells from aborted fetuses to a patient’s brain to replace dopamine-generating neurons. Another source of stem cells that has been considered is the use of embryonic stem cells taken from embryos prepared for infertile couples. However, studies have recorded that it causes dyskinesia or too much involuntary movement due to too much dopamine. Furthermore, despite being a promising cure, controversy has risen over these methods (Lava, 2016).
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Religious groups believe that taking stem cells from embryos is the same as abortion because life begins at conception while others argue that since the embryos are alive, it is murder. However, scientists dispute this because the embryos are meant to be destroyed either way and could be better used for research that will benefit so many. Politically there is a debate on whether the government should allocate funds to stem cell research specifically citing President George Bush’s such approval for 64 embryos in 2001 (Osorio, 2017).
The most important and least explored reason that stem cell transplantation may be wrong is that it can cause harm to the patient. Scientist have so far been unable to consistently control the growth of cells after stem cells are introduced into the brain and this can lead to the formation of tumor-like masses called teratomas when the stem cells generate every cell type, eventually killing the host. While some researchers have successfully controlled the stem cell growth, the percentage is too small to indicate possible success in human patients (Osorio, 2017).
References
Lava, N. (2016). Parkinson's Disease Research. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-research-treatments
Osorio, M. (2017). The Controversy over Stem Cells and Parkinson's Disease. Retrieved from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro03/web1/mosorio.html
