Human Embryo Research James G. Anderson, Ph. D Purdue University.
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Transcript of Human Embryo Research James G. Anderson, Ph. D Purdue University.
Human Embryo Research
James G. Anderson, Ph. D
Purdue University.
Treatment of Embryos
Genetic Screening Research
Technology
Amniocentesis (after 15 weeks of gestation) Chorionic villus sampling (1st trimester) Pre-implantation genetic screening (before
clinical pregnancy)
Issues: Costs
Eight million carriers of cystic fibrosis 30,000 babies born with cystic fibrosis Annual costs of care range from $8,500-
46,000 Embryonic screening cost $6,000-13,000 The cost is not covered by health insurance in
the U.S. The cost is covered in the U.K.
Options
Elect not to have children Artificial insemination with anonymous donor Prenatal genetic testing with possible
abortion Pre-implantation genetic screening
Pre-implantation Genetic Testing
in vitro fertilization (IVF) Allow fertilized cells to divide until 8 cells – 3
days Remove single cell for diagnosis within 15
hours Decide whether or not to implant
What should we test for?
Genetic disorders700 inherited conditions
344 test clinically available211 prenatal tests
offered Traits Gender
Inherited Genetic Disorders
Tay-Sachs disease Sickle-cell anemia Cystic fibrosis Hemophilia Huntington’s Disease Down’s Syndrome
Arguments in favor of testing
Permits couples with genetic predispositions for disease to conceive a child without passing on the disorder
Reduces abortions Couples have a right to the information
Arguments against testing
May lead to designer babies Results in destruction of embryos Discriminates against embryos with
disabilities Potential misuse of genetic information Potential stigma and discrimination against
carriers
Ethical Issues
Life of the embryo Eugenics Use of genetic information (e.g, employers,
insurance companies Lack of regulation of fertility clinics Disposal of unused embryos
Research
Improvements in pregnancy Fertilization Egg activation, maturation and freezing Embryonic screening Harvesting embryonic stem cells Cloning Cross-species fertilization
Stem cell research
Derived from 4-day old embryos Stem calls can be transformed into 220
human cell types (e.g., pancreatic cells, nerve cells, skin cells, cardiac muscle cells
Stem cells may cure
Alzheimer’s disease Parkinson’s disease Huntington’s disease Diabetes Spinal cord injuries Skin tissue for burn victims Damaged arteries and hearts Grow body parts (livers, hearts)
Arguments for research
Potential cures for neurological and other illnesses
New field of research will boost the biotechnology industry
Other countries will continue research and development
Fertility clinics already possess 400,000 unused frozen embryos that will be discarded
Arguments against research
Fertilized egg is a human being and should not be destroyed
Stem cell research is similar to using the results of Nazi medical experiments
Using fertilized eggs for research is a “slippery slope” Commercial exploitation – treat human embryos as
property Production of embryos to harvest stem cells.
Potential Therapeutic Uses
Parkinson’s Disease Huntington’s Disease Diabetes Spinal cord injuries Growth of new tissue/organs from stem cells
Regulations
NIH ban on funds for research on human embryos Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act 1992 25 states have laws regulating disposal of embryos Congress is considering the Human Genome Privacy Act Debate over applicability of the Americans with Disabilities
Act NIH guidelines allow federal funding of research with
embryonic stem cells from existing cell lines 28 states criminalize harm to fetus Unborn Victims of Violence Act (pending)
NIH Human Embryo Research Panel Recommendations Acceptable Research
Methods of improving the chances of pregnancy
Fertilization Egg activation, maturation, and freezing Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis Development of embryonic stem cells
Needs Additional Review
Cloning and use of oocytes without their transfer to the uterus for gestation
Unacceptable Research
Cloning and use of oocytes followed by transfer to the uterus for gestation
Cross-species fertilization
Guidelines for Review/ Conduct of Federally Funded Research
Qualified researcher Valid research design Major scientific clinical benefits Number of embryos should be minimal Informed consent obtained from gamete donors Embryos not be created solely for research No buying and selling of embryos No research on embryos more than 14 days old