Human Biotechnology and COVID-19

Human Biotechnology and COVID-19

Biotechnology refers to the application of living organisms or biologically derived substances to develop or modify products, or to improve plants, animals, and microorganisms. The goal is to help meet fundamental human needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, health, and safety.

Human Biotechnology focuses specifically on biological technologies applied at the human or cellular level. It involves working with human cells and biological systems without introducing unnatural genetic modifications. Examples include optimizing biological environments to support human cell growth, facilitating natural genetic processes, and cellular replication techniques. One well-known example of cloning technology was the cloning of Dolly the sheep in Scotland in 1997, the first successful cloning of a mammal from an adult somatic cell.

Today, biotechnology is widely applied in medicine, including medical biotechnology, which introduces new technologies that can modify or correct genetic characteristics in patients, such as gene therapy. In addition, biotechnology enables the development of therapeutic products and health-promoting agents (therapeutics) that support disease prevention and overall well-being.

One of the most prominent areas in Human Biotechnology today is the study and application of Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are a type of white blood cell (cytotoxic lymphocyte) that circulate in the bloodstream and are part of the body’s innate immune system. They function like a defense army, protecting the body by identifying and eliminating foreign invaders such as viruses, pathogens, and even cancer cells. NK cells play a critical role in natural immune surveillance. Immune function can be strengthened through basic self-care practices, including adequate rest, regular exercise, and a balanced diet containing all essential nutrients. Under normal circumstances, these measures may be sufficient to maintain good health. However, in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, routine self-care alone may not be enough. In such cases, enhancing immune resilience beyond baseline levels becomes especially important.

Today, advanced technology enables blood testing to assess NK cell activity, a key indicator of immune function. After receiving test results, individuals can understand their immune status and assess potential health risks. In addition, Highly Active NK Cell Therapy is available to help enhance immune function to a higher level. This approach aims to restore and strengthen the immune system, particularly in individuals whose immunity has declined due to illness, aging, or chronic stress.

Leukemia is typically treated initially with chemotherapy, and about 80% of patients respond well to first-line chemotherapy. However, for the remaining 20% who do not achieve remission, second-line chemotherapy may be offered, though it is often associated with more severe side effects. If the disease remains resistant to treatment, a bone marrow transplantation (also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) may be considered. In this procedure, high-dose chemotherapy is administered first to destroy the patient’s existing bone marrow and blood-producing system. Then, healthy stem cells are transplanted to restore normal blood cell production, using approximately 20 million stem cells. Leukemia most commonly occurs in children under the age of 5 and in adults over 60; however, there has been a rising incidence among younger adults aged 20 to 30 years. As a result, the utilization of bone marrow transplantation has increased. Today, bone marrow transplantation is no longer confined to major tertiary hospitals. In Thailand, the procedure is being performed more frequently, including in provincial hospitals nationwide.

Tissue stem cells are being used to treat various degenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and liver cirrhosis. Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the degeneration of the brain's central nervous system, which impairs brain function and leads to symptoms such as tremors. This results in involuntary arm shaking, making the body feel robotic. As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may develop, including tongue stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and walking difficulties. Degenerative diseases typically worsen with age, but stem cells have the potential to stimulate the production of new brain cells. After transplantation, these cells may enhance neurotransmitter release, leading to improvements in symptoms such as tremor, gait, speech, and balance. However, it is important to note that this process may take 3 to 6 months to show significant effects.