Bioethics in Stem Cell Research & Therapy PDF

Ethics in Stem Research & Therapy Mohd Arifin Bin Kaderi, PhD Department of Biomedical Science Lecture Objectives 1.Understand the current advancements in stem cell research, including key technologies and breakthroughs. 2.Explore the bioethical principles involved in stem cell research an...

Ethics in Stem Research & Therapy Mohd Arifin Bin Kaderi, PhD Department of Biomedical Science Lecture Objectives 1.Understand the current advancements in stem cell research, including key technologies and breakthroughs. 2.Explore the bioethical principles involved in stem cell research and their application in real-world scenarios. 3.Discuss key polemics and controversies, focusing on moral, social, and legal perspectives. 4.Analyze real-world ethical cases to develop critical thinking and awareness of legal considerations. Stem Cell Research and Therapy Please Read the Journal Article Provided: King and Perrin: Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2014, 5:85 http://stemcellres.com/content/5/4/85 Introduction to Stem Cell Research Definition: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cells. Types of Stem Cells: Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs): Derived from blastocysts; pluripotent and highly versatile. Adult Stem Cells: Found in specific tissues; multipotent and involved in repair mechanisms. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Adult cells genetically reprogrammed to a pluripotent state. Applications: Regenerative Medicine: Repair or replace damaged tissues (e.g., heart disease, spinal cord injuries). Drug Development: Testing drug efficacy and toxicity using patient-specific cells. Disease Modeling: Studying disease mechanisms in vitro. Current Developments in Stem Cell Research Organoids: Miniature, 3D tissue models derived from stem cells for studying organ function and disease. Example: Brain organoids used to study neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. CRISPR and Gene Editing: Enhancing the precision of stem cell-based therapies by correcting genetic mutations. Example: Treating genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia. Stem Cell Therapies: Breakthroughs in treating diabetes (e.g., beta-cell transplantation). Promising results in Parkinson’s disease therapy through dopaminergic neuron replacement. Clinical Trials: Example: Stem cell therapies for spinal cord injuries demonstrating improved motor function. Ethical Innovations: Development of iPSCs to reduce ethical concerns associated with ESCs. Bioethical Principles in Stem Cell Research Respect for Autonomy: Importance of informed consent from donors of embryos, tissues, or genetic material. Addressing issues of consent for unused embryos from IVF procedures. Non-Maleficence: Ensuring safety and minimizing harm in experimental treatments. Addressing the risks of tumorigenicity in stem cell therapies. Beneficence: Maximizing therapeutic benefits and advancing medical knowledge. Balancing research goals with societal benefits. Justice: Fair distribution of research benefits and therapies. Avoiding exploitation of vulnerable populations in research. Polemics in Stem Cell Research 1.Embryonic Stem Cell Controversy: 1. Ethical concerns about the destruction of embryos for research purposes. 2. Opposing views on the moral status of embryos: “Potential life” vs. scientific utility. 3. Religious and cultural objections in various societies. 2.Human-Animal Chimeras: 1. Ethical debates on creating chimeric organisms for organ transplantation. 2. Concerns about human characteristics in animals and their moral implications. 3.Commercialization: 1. Ethical risks of unregulated stem cell clinics offering unproven treatments. 2. Challenges in ensuring equitable access to expensive stem cell therapies. 4.Genetic Engineering: 1. Controversy over modifying germline cells and its implications for future generations. 2. Ethical debates about designer babies and social inequality. Relevant Ethical Cases 1.Case 1: Geron Corporation (2010): 1. First clinical trial using human ESCs for spinal cord injury repair. 2. Ethical concerns about embryo use and unproven treatment risks. 3. Issues on wrongful termination of clinical trial 2.Case 2: CRISPR-edited Babies (2018): 1. Chinese scientist He Jiankui used CRISPR to edit embryos for HIV resistance. 2. Global condemnation for bypassing ethical and regulatory frameworks. 3.Case 3: Unregulated Stem Cell Clinics: 1. Clinics offering “cures” for untreatable conditions without scientific backing. 2. Legal actions against clinics for causing harm to patients and ethical concerns about exploitation. Global Regulations and Guidelines International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR): Guidelines for ethical research practices and clinical applications. Legal Frameworks: USA: NIH funding restricted for ESC research; more support for iPSCs. EU: Varied regulations; stricter in countries like Germany compared to the UK. Malaysia: National Stem Cell Research Ethics Guidelines outline donor consent and therapeutic use. Cultural and Religious Perspectives: Influence on policies; e.g., bans in some countries due to religious objections. Variability in public acceptance based on cultural norms. Discussion Questions 1.Should embryos be used in research if they hold the potential to save lives? 2.How do we address the ethical dilemmas posed by genetic engineering in stem cells? 3.What mechanisms should be in place to regulate unproven stem cell therapies? 4.How can public awareness and education influence ethical decision-making in stem cell research? Conclusion Stem cell research is a rapidly evolving field with transformative potential. Ethical issues are complex and require balancing innovation with respect for human dignity and societal values. Continued collaboration among scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public is essential for progress. Future advancements must prioritize safety, equity, and adherence to ethical principles. Ethical Issues in HESC research