UAE | Health
New cord blood bank to conduct stem cell research
Researchers at a newly-opened cord blood bank are conducting stem cell research, using some of the stored blood, to reduce the incidence of genetic disease in the UAE.
- By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 June 7, 2006
Dubai: Researchers at a newly-opened cord blood bank are conducting stem cell research, using some of the stored blood, to reduce the incidence of genetic disease in the UAE.
The UAE has one of the highest numbers of genetic disorders in the world, according to figures from the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies.
The Dubai Cord Blood and Research Centre (DCBRC), which opened yesterday, will store cord blood, rich in stem cells, taken from the umbilical cord and the placenta.
Need
Dr Mahmoud Taleb Al Ali, head of research at DCBRC, told Gulf News the centre would conduct research based on the prevalence of the diseases affecting the country.
"The country is in need of genetic research with the number of disorders here. Stem cells are the root of any genetic research," he said.
The UAE recorded 213 genetic disorders in its Catalogue of Transmission Genetic in Arabs (CTGA) database, the highest in the region. Some of the most widespread diseases in the UAE are thalassaemia and sickle-cell disease.
Controversy surrounds research using stem cells from foetuses, which are usually aborted, miscarried or grown in a laboratory. Cord blood, however, is derived from the placenta and umbilical cord, and taken after delivery.
Dr Al Ali said: "The use of cord blood removes any ethical questions that might arise. If it's embryonic stem cells, then that is different."
He said the stem cell research would be done on cord blood units that the centre had rejected.
"Some of the samples get rejected because the number of cells is not enough for transplantation but enough for research. The patients' rights are observed at all times. We ask their permission for the blood."
He added that the centre was seeking to collaborate with genetic research centres in other countries.
Share this article
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
The best reader pictures from around the UAE this week
Latest news
- Student tackles used cooking oil
- Road accidents the leading cause of brain injuries in Dubai
- No one wants to teach
- Notary phone bookings to start next month
- Move abandoned vehicles out of the way
- English to stay as medium of instruction
- Fishmongers, consumers trade charges
- DIFF function to raise funds for Aids charity
- Seven held trying to fly from Abu Dhabi illegally
- Trucks queue eases at Saudi border
- 15 genetic triggers linked to birth defects in UAE
- Haj mission's H1N1 measures lauded
- Employer prosecuted for false accusation
- Number of Saudi students rises
- Petrol fumes at gas stations are threat to health
Community Reports
-
Keeping out curious cats in Abu Dhabi
Felines trapped in electrical substations create a nuisance
-
Construction site turned into dump
Sharjah residents using abandoned spot to dispose of waste
-
Stop disregarding road rules
Gulf News reader calls on authorities to curb reckless driving during rush hours in Mussafah industrial area underpass
-
Public transport is the way to go
Residents must stop complaining about feeder buses taking up parking space
