Stem cells which have the ability to clone themselves indefinitely by cell division will be an effective alternative to transplantation of damaged body organs in future, Dr. G. Subrahmanyam, eminent cardiologist and Research Director in Narayana Medical Institutions, Nellore, said on Monday.
Dr. Subrahmanyam, who delivered Dr. C. Venkata Ramaiah Seventh Memorial Oration in Kurnool Medical College, said embryonic stem cells derived from the inner mass of blastocysts can renew indefinitely when cultured and have great potential for alleviating symptoms or even curing of paralysis, diabetes, Alzheimer and Parkinson’s diseases. Stem cells have a nature to multiply and regrow any damaged organ, such as heart, liver, kidney, lungs, skin cells etc into which they are injected, he said.
Creation of stem cell was an age-old process prevalent in ancient India, the cardiologist said and cited instances of queen Gandhari delivering 100 Kauravas, after sage Vyas divided a ball of flesh into that many parts, kept them in pots, treated with herbs and ghee and kept them in a cool chamber.
The earliest test tube technology also figures in ancient Hindu scriptures and westerners copied it, he said. Explaining about his research, Dr. Subrahmanyam said the nucleus of a human cell can be transferred into the egg of species such as rabbit or cow. Nearly 15 per cent of peoplewere dying of heart attacks and stem cell therapy was the effective answer to the burden of coronary heart disease, he said. Stem cells can be applied to treat diabetes and reduce the need for insulin and to treat Hepatitis B or C, he said.
Cardiologist G. Subrahmanyam says embryonic stem cells derived from the inner mass of blastocysts can renew indefinitely when cultured and have great potential for alleviating symptoms or even curing paralysis, diabetes, Alzheimer and Parkinson’s diseases
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