Stem Cells: A Historical Review about Biological, Religious, and Ethical Issues

Abstract

Stem cells can be used to replace damaged cells or regenerate organs and have broadened our knowledge of the development and progression of certain diseases. Despite significant advances in understanding stem cell biology, several problems limit their use. These problems are related not only to the growth of tumors in animal models and their rejection in transplant cases but also to ethical and social issues about the use of embryonic cells. The ethical-scientific debate on this type of cells has taken on great interest both for their application in regenerative medicine and for the potential possibilities in the field of cell and gene therapy. Different points of view often have the expression of a perception that depends on scientific goals or opportunities or on religious traditions and beliefs. Therefore, as the questions and doubts about when life begins, so do the answers for the use of these cells as therapy or otherwise. So, in addition to the origin of stem cells, there are currently some social bioethical (such as political and legislative issues) and religious dilemmas. The purpose of the study is aimed at being a narrative on the history of stem cells and the evolution of their use to date, as well as to clarify the bioethical position of the various religions today in comparison with the social ones regarding the research and use of embryonic and adult ones. Hence, their biological hypostasis regarding the concepts of “conception” and “fertilization” and their development and therapeutic use compared to those of the main theological doctrines.

Quantitative Super-Resolution Microscopy to Assess Adhesion of Neuronal Cells on Single-Layer Graphene Substrates

“…Still, the mechanisms behind the preferential adhesion of neurons and mammalian cells on the graphene substrates are not fully clear. It is well established that substrates functionalized with graphene-based materials are reportedly effective in regulating cellular microenvironments, affecting and enhancing key factors controlling various cell functions, which include adhesion, growth, and stem cell differentiation [7,[48][49][50][51][52]. However, the exact mechanisms underneath would critically depend on the complex interplay of a variety of properties, including local roughness, polarity, and the amount of non-covalent interactions at the material surface that can influence protein concentration and consequently regulate cell adhesion.…”

Overview of Candida albicans and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Agents and their Biomolecular Mechanisms in Promoting Oral Cancer in Pediatric Patients

“…The role of the virus on carcinogenesis is due to proteins E6 and E7 that integrate into host DNA. These two proteins could induce the neoplastic growth, since they block the two tumor suppressor proteins, the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and p53, which regulate the transition from the G1 phase of the cell cycle to S. E7 binds to p53 blocking its ability to interact with the transcription factor E2F [ 75 , 76 ]. Therefore, cells characterized by E7 overexpression lose the control of the transition from G1 to S phase, which causes continuous cell cycles and therefore cell proliferation without suppression, as well, degradation of the pRb [ 76 ].…”

Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Potential Therapeutic Roles in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…MSCs are chosen widely because of their differentiation ability and the ease with which they can be isolated from various adult tissues. In addition, adult MSCs pose less problems when compared with ESCs in terms of tumorigenesis and ethical issues ( 185 , 186 ). In this regard, an evidence ( 139 ) claimed that the beneficial effects of stem cell transplantation are based on their ability to secrete bioactive molecules, namely, the exosomes.…”