Stem cells, and their potential benefits to our health, have captured
our imagination. CNN <http://www.cnn.com/> even listed the recent
advances in stem cell research as one of the most significant
health-related stories in the past 25 years — second only to the
complete mapping of the human genome.
But, beyond the media hype and the potential applications dreamed of by
researchers and investors, just what are we really talking about here?
What stem cells are and their amazing potential in promoting optimal
health
Stem cells can be thought of as a kind of "master" cell:
undifferentiated (or "generic") cells. They have the ability to
duplicate endlessly, and to differentiate into virtually any of the 210
different kinds of tissue cells in the human body, from the most general
to the very specific — or specialized.
Think of it this way: When an egg is fertilized, the zygote (or
fertilized egg) divides several times, creating an embryo. At this
stage of development, each of these cells has the potential to become a
complete adult organism. (Fortunately, for mothers everywhere, they
usually don't.) These cells are embryonic stem cells, the early
building blocks of each human being.
As the embryo continues to grow, and passes through the various stages
of development, these stem cells become increasingly differentiated and
form the different specialized tissues of the body.
What is exciting here is that any of these embryonic stem cells has the
potential to become virtually any kind of tissue in the body. The idea
here is that these cells might be used to promote healing of damaged
tissues.
But, as promising as embryonic stem cells may sound, what might prove to
be even more beneficial, in the long run, are adult stem cells.
Adult stem cells offer a better option
Until very recently, it was believed that adult stem cells lacked the
capability of embryonic stem cells to differentiate into the many
different tissues of the body. That is why so much focus has been
placed on embryonic stem cells, despite the ethical concerns that have
been so much at the center of our public debate.
However, over the past 5 years, as the focus of stem cell research has
moved away from embryonic stem cells to adult stem cells, it has been
found that these adult stem cells have capabilities very similar to
embryonic stem cells.
But, that is not all.
There is a rich source of adult stem cells in your own body. They are
found most abundantly in your bone marrow, which contains somewhere
between 100-200 million of them. This is really important news. It's
important because, with such an abundant supply of adult stem cells
available, you don't need to look for a source somewhere else. Just as
importantly, it means that no one has to turn a blind eye to the ethical
issues involved, or do any moral gymnastics to rationalize a way around
them, in favor of "the greater good".
Supporting wellness, not just curing disease or injury
What is more, we are learning that the benefits of stem cells extend far
beyond their application in curing diseases or repairing injuries. As
remarkable as these achievements would be, stem cells can — and do
— play a much more immediate and universal part in health and
wellness.
Recent research has shown that there are many profound health benefits
you can enjoy from the natural function of adult stem cells in your
body. In fact, a number of recent scientific studies have clearly
established that higher levels of circulating adult stem cells are
linked to better health. As these adult stem cells are released from
your bone marrow into your bloodstream, they circulate throughout your
body, replacing dysfunctional cells with healthy cells.
Your body's own intelligence guides the whole process. You can enjoy
the many benefits without medical intervention.
Stem cell enhancers: the cutting edge of natural health and wellness
But, there is a problem here, of sorts. As a person ages, the number
and quality of circulating stem cells in his or her body gradually
decreases, leaving that person susceptible to injury and other
age-related health problems.
Hope this may benefits all.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------
[ Forum Kesehatan : http://www.medisiana.com ]Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dokter_umum/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dokter_umum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:dokter_umum-digest@yahoogroups.com
mailto:dokter_umum-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
dokter_umum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar