A Lecture on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Between Illusions and Reality at BAU

The Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University organized a lecture entitled “Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Between Illusions and Reality”, presented by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Najlaa Mashaal, and Prof. Dr. Ramadan El Gharabawi. The lecture was held at Beirut Campus on the 27th of February, 2014 and was attended by BAU Deans, staff-members and students.

After the Lebanese National Anthem and the BAU Anthem, BAU Vice-President for Medical Sciences, Prof. Dr. Essam Osman, gave a welcoming speech. He highlighted the obstacles that researchers face today when it comes to advances in the study of cells. He pointed out that the lecture is intended to emphasize the importance of the topic and to bring forth the obstacles facing completed researches in the field.

The lecture provided a background of the history of organ transplantations, pointing out the progress made in treatment mechanisms in the field. After the breakthrough seen in the field of organ transplantations, research has now moved on to the issue of cell-renewal.

The lecture also focused on the contributions made by cell-renewal research on the treatment of the illnesses of old age. It highlighted the renewal of liver-cells in the human body, and the role of cell-renewal in the treatment of the diseases affecting the pancreas and medullary diseases. It further showed that researches focus on converting cells to possible sources for the reproduction of important organs.

The lecture, then, explained the mechanism by which some organs are regenerated, such as the intestines and some muscles, through layers and chunks of cells. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Najlaa Mashaal reiterated that the Faculty of Medicine is prepared to conduct further researches in this field.