[Stitcher]

New Stem Cell Research Could End Debate

Last Update: Mar 13, 2007 11:10 PM
Posted By: Ali Gorman
http://www.cbs47.com/news/local/stor...0777826d&rss=1

A new study shows for the first time adult stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases. It is also shows the benefits of adult and embryonic stem cells are the same.

Chad Varney,31, of Jacksonville was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when he was 27. Now he takes medication four times a day to ease his symptoms. "I have a tremor- it was just my right fingers but now it's my whole hand and I drag my right leg," he said.

But Varney and millions of other patients are hoping their problems can one day be eliminated with the help of stem cells. And now the latest research shows we may be closer to that goal.

Jacksonville neurologist Dr. Sean Orr calls new research "a huge discovery." He said the study out of California using mice injected with a rare brain disease shows for the first time adult stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases in humans. It also shows both adult and the controversial embyronic stem cells have the same benefit.

"The reason this study is so monumental is we have the potential to eliminate that controversy all together," said Dr. Orr.

For Varney, he said any advancement brings hope but still he doesn't want to shut the door on embryonic stem cell research just yet. "There could be something there that an adult stem cell does not provide," he said.

Doctor Orr doesn't expect the debate to stop any time soon, but said this research is a huge step closer to helping millions of patients suffering to live a better life. Varney said, "That's all I ask for is to be able to live like any other 31-year-old that's healthy."

The treated mice in the study lived about 70-percent longer than untreated mice. Governor Crist recommended Florida spend $20-million of the budget on stem cell research.

[Daffy Duck]

The news report is very misleading.

The cells were not used to treat Parkinson's Disease in humans.

They were used to treat Sandhoff disease in mice, all of which died.

[aftermathman]

a quote from the original report (my earlier post re Stem Cells treating Mice):

"The treated mice lived 70 percent longer than untreated mice. The disease eventually came back, but Snyder believes they could keep it at bay by giving booster injections of the stem cells to take over the functions of the mutated natural brain cells".

This is a proof of concept rather than a cure per se and as such appears to be a step in the right direction.

Aftermathman.

[paula_w]

This is a wait and see [we all know that] like the other claims. I am suspicious of the timing of the study, hopeful that it's true, but also live in Florida and know that the Gov. is allowing money for adult stem cell research.

On the other hand, I know Chad Varney personally - he is a stem cell advocate and PAN congressional coordinator who would not take news like this lightly.

On the other hand again, Rep. Flores of Florida is introducing legislation to make SCNT illegal. Articles like this may boost his view....

Isn't it rather sad that we have to wonder about this instead of just believing the motives and content of what we read?

clear as mud,
Paula

[Daffy Duck]

Sandhoff Disease has no biochemical or cellular similarity with Parkinson's Disease. So the news report shouldn't even be mentioning them together.

A rare medical disorder such as Sandhoff Disease that has nothing to do with Parkinson's Disease, in mice rather than humans, and at best delaying death instead of getting rid of it, certainly isn't reason to conclude that stem cells could be of any use in Parkinson's Disease.

Stem cells may end up being of use in some medical disorders, but Parkinson's Disease certainly isn't one of them.