Context:
The Delhi High Court permitted two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo stem cell therapy for treatment of their condition.
- In December 2022, Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) recommended against the use of stem cell treatment for ASD.
- EMRB’s recommendation came on the back of what it called “predatory marketing” of stem cell therapy “which gave false hope” to parents and caregivers regarding the possibility of “curing” autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
About stem cells:
- Stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of cells and proliferate indefinitely to produce more of the same stem cell.
- They can develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth.
- Stem cells can be categorized mainly in 2: the “pluripotent” stem cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) and nonembryonic or somatic stem cells (commonly called “adult” stem cells).
- Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into all of the cells of the adult body.
- Adult stem cells are found in a tissue or organ and can differentiate to yield the specialized cell types of that tissue or organ.
- Stem cells have unique abilities to self-renew and to recreate functional tissues.
- Given their unique regenerative abilities, there are many ways in which human stem cells are being used in biomedical research and therapeutics development.
- Understanding the biology of disease and testing drugs
- Cell-based therapies – eg. Bone marrow transplantation
In 2006, researchers identified conditions that would allow some mature human adult cells to be reprogrammed into an embryonic stem cell-like state. Those reprogramed stem cells are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
What is stem cell therapy
- Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, promotes the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives.
- Researchers grow stem cells in a lab.
- These stem cells are manipulated to specialize into specific types of cells, such as heart muscle cells, blood cells or nerve cells.
- The specialized cells can then be implanted into a person.
About autism spectrum disorder (ASD):
- A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.
- Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known.
- ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life
Functions of Ethics and Medical Registration Board
- Maintain National Registers of all licensed medical practitioners
- Regulate professional conduct and promote medical ethics in accordance with the regulations made under this Act
- Develop mechanisms to have continuous interaction with State Medical Councils to effectively promote and regulate the conduct of medical practitioners and professionals
- Exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to the actions taken by a State Medical Council
Source: The Indian Express
Previous year question
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
2. Stem cells can be used for screenings new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
In multicellular organisms, stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of cells and proliferate indefinitely to produce more of the same stem cell.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct because stem cells can be used for screening new drugs and for medical therapies.
