"Advertising has got far ahead of fundamental studies," said Nikolai Nikolsky, head researcher of the Cytological Institute under the Russian Academy of Sciences.
There are many reasons as yet to prevent sweeping use of stem cell preparations, pointed out Vladimir Smirnov, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
In particular, he highlighted the moral aspect of using embryonic stem cells. Russia is still using aborted embryos, which all civilized countries have long banned. Apart from ethics, the arrangement implies a bad infection danger. Embryonic cell implantation often brings patients herpetic and cytomegalic viruses.
Despite all that, commercials are advertising stem cells as panacea from all problems, including infantile speech disorders of psychotic origin, Smirnov went on.
True, embryonic and adult stem cells have proved effective with many disorders worldwide, he acknowledged. Human bone marrow, fat and umbilical blood stem cells are presently used in clinical practice. Umbilical blood cells, in particular, heal infantile leucosis and improve stroke patients' condition. Bone marrow stem cells evolve into heart cells to replace dead ones with coronary disease.
The researcher thinks Russia ought to establish a cryogenic bone marrow stem cell depository.
"If cellular technologies are to develop along civilized lines in Russia, it needs a relevant legislative basis. Next, such technologies are to be certified, and clinical tests arranged. Last but not least, their use is to be licensed," stressed the researcher.
