Medical Benefits of Therapeutic Cloning

Therapeutic cloning is a branch of regenerative medicine that specializes in the manufacture of human tissue and organ materials. This technology combines the principles of cellular biology, engineering and material manufacturing methods to develop alternative treatment options within the medical field. Research developments hold benefits for transplant recipients, enhanced treatment options and a fuller understanding of genetic systems and functions.

Therapeutic Cloning

• Therapeutic cloning technology is a specialty area that makes use of genetic material for the purpose of "growing" human tissues and organs. DNA materials are present inside every cell of the body and contain the blueprints needed to manufacture replicas of the original material. Therapeutic cloning methods capitalize on the regenerative capabilities inherent in each cell. Through the use of embryonic ovum containers, any type of cell can be grown and harvested into a mass of cells and tissues.

Function

• The therapeutic cloning technique uses a female ovum to harvest embryonic stem cells. This procedure makes use of discarded ovum cells that result from failed fertility trials, so no actual embryos are destroyed. The cloning process involves removing the original DNA materials from the ovum cell and injecting it with donor DNA cell materials. The ovum cell is then electrically stimulated, which causes the normal embryonic growth process to begin. A pre-embryo form begins to grow inside the ovum causing stem cell lines to form. The new stem cell lines are then removed and placed under conditions that allow for further growth. Scientists then initiate specific growth factors within the cells that cause them to grow into specific tissue types.

Pluripotent Cell Types

• The embryonic cell lines produced by the therapeutic cloning process are one of the main benefits from the procedure. Embryonic stem cell lines are classified as "undifferentiated" because of their ability to develop into any cell type in the body. Undifferentiated cells are considered to be "pluripotent" in their ability to be transformed within the therapeutic cloning process. In effect, cloned materials are genetically engineered to grow into specified cell types. This capability makes it possible to harvest any number and type of tissue or organ formations.

Organ Transplant Alternative

• Another benefit from therapeutic cloning lies in its potential to supply organ transplant recipients with compatible organ tissues in a timely manner. The National Kidney Foundation reports as many as 95,000 transplant candidates are in need of an organ transplant within the United States every year. The ability to manufacture and store organ materials greatly increases their availability in the case of individuals who require immediate care. In addition, cell materials may be extracted from the patient; thereby reducing the risk of tissue-organ rejection often seen in transplant cases.

Research Potential

• Many conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer involve irreversible cell degeneration that leaves the body in a weakened state. Future plans for therapeutic cloning involve developing regenerative cell formations that can be used to reverse damage that results from degenerative conditions. Patient-specific stem cell therapies are working toward manufacturing needed replacement tissue that's tailor-made for a patient's body chemistry and medical need. Treatment methods would entail injecting cloned stem cell materials into the patient. Cell materials would then work to regenerate areas in the body where damaged tissue is present.

Ethical Issues

• As of yet, U.S. society remains at odds regarding the ethical practices involved in therapeutic cloning. Conservative Christian groups hold fast to the notion that life begins at conception regardless of whether or not embryo or pre-embryo materials are at issue. In effect, the removal of DNA materials from an ovum constitutes murder from this standpoint. Liberal groups tend to view the embryo as a collection of DNA cells, and not human in terms of having human rights. Other perspectives hold a middle ground that respects the human potential contained within an embryo; however, the issue of rights doesn't come into play until a certain point within the fetal development process.