An American Man’s View of Stem Cells

The Q&A below was conducted by myself (Gionna) and Central High’s assistant librarian, Mr. Bronstein. In order to gauge the opinion of someone who would benefit from stem cell research and therapy, I interviewed Mr. Bronstein and asked his opinion on a few key aspects of this topic.

1. First can you tell us what your understanding/perception of stem cells is?

Stem cells are immature cells that still have the ability to mature into a number of different kinds of cells. Some can grow only into, e.g., nerve cells, but pluripotent stem cells have the ability to become any cell type at all, depending on the environment in which they are placed to grow. Adults still have stem cells that can be used, for instance using healthy cells from bone marrow to replace cancerous blood cells. I think that’s what they do for Leukemia, now. They are also experimenting with olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) to replace nerves in the spinal cord. They are also now thinking of freezing cord blood so that if a person needs stem cells in the future, they will have a “stash” of their own cells so that their is no problem with rejection.

2. Do you know any benefits (or otherwise) of stem cell research?

There are a host of probable uses. Some benefits are already being used to help people. (See above) However, most benefits are still down the road as they are in the research stage. (We lost 8 years while Bush was president b/c he “defunded” stem cell research.) The area I’m interested in can be seen in this article:http://www.bbc.com/news/health-29645760


Other hoped for uses include things like organ replacement, but not by taking an organ from a donor. Instead, they will be able to regrow an organ using one’s own stem cells, thus avoiding the the rejection problems. (perhaps by using frozen cord cells?)


3. We heard that you have a personal connection and involvement with stem cell research. Can you describe your connection as well as your involvement (if any) in the advocacy of stem cell research?

My only connection is my interest in the use of stem cells as the best hope to repair a damaged spinal cord. See the link above. I severed my spine at T-3 30 years ago. Central nervous system nerves don’t spontaneously regenerate as do all the other parts of the body. However, by using stem cells, researchers are hoping to change that. Providing the proper environment seems to be the sticking point now, b/c we know that stem cells can become CNS cells. Getting them to do it in vivo is the trick.


4. Some Americans are against human embryonic stem cell research because the process of extracting stem cells from an embryo often kills the fetus. Can you describe your stance on this issue?

This is a difficult topic for many b/c it gets into the abortion debate. Not so for me b/c I’ve seen enough girls whose lives have been ruined or careers stunted b/c of unwanted pregnancies. Also, I think one of the biggest problems that the world will be facing in the near future, besides global warming, will be overpopulation. During my lifetime the human population has doubled, causing us to gobble up the planet’s resources at an ever more alarming rate. So, I have no problem with abortion. It will help reduce the strain on the planet.


However, that being said, there is really no need to use fetal stem cells anymore. Cord blood provides plenty. We have also found methods for turning mature human cells back into stem cells so that we can use our own cells and avoid rejection. Of course, aborted feti can also provide stem cells and tissue. Just look at the recent scandal involving Planned Parenthood. It was the stand against abortion that prompted Bush to ban their funding during his administration. Researchers found ways around it.