Medycyna regeneracyjna w świetle relacji między nauką a religiami

Abstract

For several dozen years stem cells have been used in therapy as bone marrow transplants, in the treatment of leukaemia or other blood diseases. Stem cells are also used in the treatment of burns, non-healing wounds or cornea damages. According to popular conviction, stem cells are identified with embryonic cells, which provokes both interest and emotion. Undoubtedly, the embryonic stem cells have the biggest potential to diversify and that is why they may be the best source in the cell therapy. However, because of ethic reservations accompanying these procedures, their use in many countries, including Poland, is much limited or even forbidden. For a few years research has been done to show the possibility to use somatic cells (iPS), whose potential seems to be equal to that of the embryonic cells. The author discusses the qualities and ways of obtaining and using both mature and embryonic stem cells, with particular regard to the necessity for the liberty of scientific research and a patient’s right to make a choice.