Stem cells: A new hope for treating human diseases

Author: Pan Xinghua / Zhang Buzhen / Pang Rongqing (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The human body is formed through the differentiation and development of embryonic stem cells. The normal cell renewal of adult tissues and organs, as well as pathological repair, depends on the growth and differentiation of stem cells. Stem cells play a pivotal role in life processes—they are not only the subject of exploring the essence and laws of human life but are also crucial for treating over two-thirds of human diseases. These diseases include tissue and organ functional degeneration, cellular degeneration, necrosis, or even loss, such as aging, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain atrophy, spinal cord injury, acute and chronic liver disease, diabetes, renal insufficiency, cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, and therapeutic cloning. The combination of stem cell technology with tissue and organ engineering may potentially produce "parts" suitable for repairing or replacing various human tissues and organs. Stem cell research nearly spans all fields of life sciences and biomedical research. Stem cell engineering involves nearly all important human tissues and organs, as well as most of the medical challenges humans face. Stem cell therapy covers most human diseases, including cell therapy, tissue and organ transplantation, and gene therapy. Stem cells will have a profoundly significant impact on human health and disease treatment. To help medical professionals and the public understand the achievements of stem cell research and its potential to benefit humanity sooner, we organized a group of technical personnel engaged in stem cell research to compile this book. The book first systematically introduces the basic knowledge of stem cells, as well as the research progress of embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. It then focuses on the research and applications of stem cells in myocardial infarction, diabetes, renal failure, nerve injury, liver injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and anti-aging health care. Additionally, it covers stem cells in therapeutic cloning, stem cells in tissue engineering, and the global investment in stem cell research.