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CLOSE PERSPECTIVES?
BY JOAQUIN
ORAMAS
THE
theme of mother cells and genes is the subject of
study in many countries. In Cuba specific work is
being undertaken and coordinated in hospitals and
research institutes such as the Hematology
Institute, CIMEQ, and the Hermanos Ameijeiras
hospital, attempting to provide adult mother cells
from patients themselves in order to attain
replacements for damaged tissue, for example, that
of the heart.
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Dr. Luis Herrera Martínez
commented on the favorable
impact that genetic
studies are having on
living longer.
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It
is research designed to help preserve longevity with
a good quality of life so that reaching 120 years of
age is not just a Utopian dream. Making this
announcement, Dr. Luis Herrera Martínez, director of
the Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Center
told us that this institution has developed work in
coordination with the Neurological Restoration
Center with the aim of applying this technology in
different neurological pathologies. As a result of
this initial research, a working group is studying
the subject, trying to identify different and
alternative possibilities for applying a technology
that is extremely powerful in this day and age.
In
citing influential medical advances, he mentions the
new technologies using stem cells, and technologies
derived from those cells, around which there is
great hope, because they offer the possibility of
forming organs and replacing those which no longer
function. It is a wonderful dream, because the
alternative now exists, but the solution still does
not exist, Dr. Herrera Martínez warns. “The
alternative exists because it is seen that those
kinds of results are possible,” he says.
Likewise, Dr. Herrera Martínez’ institute is also
developing technologies involving animal cloning.
These include a bovine cloning project, the
successful completion of which is expected at the
end of this year.
He
adds that these investigations allow them to create
methodological bases for work which, at a given
time, may require technologies of this nature. Our
country is at the point of initiating the
application of this technology and there is great
interest in its successful development, he
commented.
He
clarified the issue by saying that these are
endeavors that hold great potential for the world
although they are still not established
technologies, given that some of them present
extremely complex technological problems.
However, some of the applications are more immediate
and incipient and may offer some positive results.
But of course, all of them are objectives that will
lead to major advances and would require a great
deal of time and dedication, warns Herrera Martínez.
Dr.
Herrera Martínez commented on the favorable impact
that genetic studies are having on living longer.
They make it possible for characterizations to be
made practically at the individual level, and show
the way for the development of individualized
medicine, instead of general medicine.
To
reinforce his idea with examples, the doctor says,
“We see that when someone takes a medication of 25
milligrams, he does so because it is the indicated
dose; however, some individuals need 10 milligrams
or perhaps 50.”
He
explained that there could be host gene types that
would allow us to determine those of the patient and
what would be the most adequate form of individual
treatment. These hosts could then be correlated with
other factors to provide information on risk
situations any patient could be submitted to. He
believes that this kind of work requires a more
prolonged and intensive study that would allow us to
correlate individual genetic host types with the
characteristics of certain behaviors or results in
terms of the interaction between the environment and
health.
Dr.
Herrera assured us that these methods should be
increased, but warns that this refers only to a
well-resourced medical system. The world is turning
towards this eventuality of individual action in
terms of healthcare and treatment. That would
prevent other disorders that are statistical
adjustments today but could become therapeutic
individualizations in the future.
Perhaps it is not just at the level of a therapeutic
type but also concerns elements of behavior and
habit that could help predict which would be the
most favorable for the different types of people
existing within a community.
With
respect to this, there exists another group. He
explains by referring to what was generally
considered to be the first longevity gene, and to
everything associated with cholesterol (the famous
“good” and “bad” cholesterol), which is clearly
related to longevity. He explained how an
unfavorable situation with respect to metabolizing
fat also carries with it the possibility of
suffering certain illnesses with harmful
consequences on an individual’s life, health and
therefore, chances of longevity.
That
whole conjunction of genes related in one way or
another to factors determining people’s health – and
most especially their life expectancy after 60-70
years of age – are elements related to the genetic
system. He believes at the end of the day that
prolonging life should not, at this time, compel us
just to focus on purely technological elements even
though they may be significant.
In
this sense, Herrera reiterated the key factors lie
in behavioral considerations such as eliminating bad
habits and inappropriate excesses, ensuring a
balanced diet and regular physical exercise, as well
as having self-control throughout life.
His advice is not merely a pipe dream; a number of
people have demonstrated proof that longevity is a
reality. He referred to known cases in Japan, the
Caucasus, Colombia and Dominica where long-lived
populations have been reported. This indicates that
there are indeed possibilities for longevity.
For more information:
redac2@granmai.cip.cu |
