How are stem cells related to aging? Most of the cells within the human body have defined life spans. Most cells can only divide and thus replace themselves between 30 and 50 times. After a cell has undergone its 50 divisions, it can divide no further and enters the cellular aging process. Thus our organs have a finite life span, given that they are composed of cells whose function eventually declines. Stem cells, however, have unlimited potential to divide and virtually unlimited potential uses within the body. Scientists speculate that stem cells thus constitute a largely untapped “fountain of youth,” which, if harnessed, could conceivably allow us to rejuvenate our tissues as needed, thus prolonging our lives.
How are stem cells related to the diseases of aging?
A major consequence of aging is the aging of our tissues and the inability of our bodies to replace those aging tissues. Some of the diseases of aging to which researchers hope to apply stem cell technology include neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord damage and strokes; heart disease; diabetes; burns; and arthritis, both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Culture of sufficient numbers of multipotent stem cells could conceivably be used in place of whole organs in transplantation.
