Tuesday January 4, 12:27 PM
TAIPEI (AFX) - Cells from the human placenta could provide an alternative to the controversial use of fetal stem cells, a team of Taiwan scientists said, while announcing their research findings. The team isolated 'multipotent' cells from the placenta which they described as a 'new type of cells' between embryonic and adult stem cells.
The new cells are called placenta-derived multipotent cells (PDMCs). 'Unlike embryonic stem cells, PDMCs are free from ethical considerations,' Chen Yao-chang, head of the National Health Research Institutes' Stem Cell Research Center, told reporters.
Stem cells are immature cells that are like blank slates. In this early state, they have yet to differentiate into the specific cells that make up the body's tissues.
Scientists aim to harvest these cells and coax them into growing into fresh, replacement tissue which can then be transplanted into the body to reverse brain, nerve, muscle and organ damage, possibly curing paralysis or Parkinson's Disease.
The most versatile stem cells come from embryos in their early stage as they can differentiate into any part of the body.
But the use of embryonic cells has ignited fierce objections from conservative religious groups. As a result, many countries, including the United States, have imposed restrictions on the use and sources of embryonic stem cells and research funding.
PDMCs also have the advantages that they are obtained through a non-invasive procedure, Chen said, compared with the painful operation required to obtain bone marrow stem cells.
'The significance of the results is that it could provide another application option in future stem cells therapy,' Chen said. But he said it could take some 10 years before the technology completes the required tests and clinical trials.
The research team has successfully used the technology and results have been published in an article titled 'Isolation of Multipotent Cells from Human Term Placenta' in the US 'Stem Cells' journal.
The research team comprised researchers from National Health Research Institutes, Cathay General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, and several other domestic hospitals.
Copyright ? 2005 AFP AFX
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