Ethical issues in stem cell transplant
Introduction
Stem cells are cells found in multi-cellular organisms which possess the ability to undergo mitosis and after that differentiate to form various tissues. Over the years, extensive research has been carried out by scientists on ways through which undifferentiated stem cells can be introduced into individuals with various disorders to treat their condition. Examples of stem cells which are mostly used in the transplantations include embryonic stem cells which are derived from inner cell masses of blastocytes and adult stem cells extracted from adult tissues. Embryonic stem cells are yet to undergo differentiation while in adults; there are progenitor cells which take longer to differentiate such as cells from the bone marrow as well as umbilical cord blood cells. After extraction the stem cells are grown or cultured in the laboratories where they transform into specialized cells with characteristics similar to those of various muscles or tissues. After they are fully differentiated, these stem cells are transplanted to patients suffering from various disorders most of which are genetic thus curing them. Various ethical issues have been raised concerning stem cells transplant such as increased incidences of uncontrolled cell division leading to cancer and the source of the stem cells.
Discussion
When researchers are obtaining embryonic stem cells from blastomeres, the chances of the embryo die due to disruption of its designated growth are very high. This has created a lot of controversy on the ethics surrounding this form of murder. Pro-lifers have equated this procedure as murder regardless of the age of the embryo. However, most scientists have resulted to using test-tube embryos as their source of embryonic stem cells which has led to little conviction from the public. The pro-life members have insisted that embryos should be given equal chances to life regardless of their age as they deserve to be upheld with utmost human dignity.
The fact that a life has to be lost so as to save another who may be very weak such that even after the transplant, their problems do not cease has led to many people opposing this research. The scenario creates room for questioning the morals behind the act as it lacks the essence of maintaining on the life for the sake of another which is not quite stable (Wu, Boyd, Wood, 2007).The other ethical issue is based on the primary source of stem cells which will be implanted on the recipient. Researchers have used mice and guinea pigs when carrying out experimental human treatment or research concerning human physiology. This is attributed to the fact that human beings and mice posses many similar characteristics both physiological and anatomical (Takahashi, 2006). Due to this close resemblance, adult stem cells from the umbilical cord or the amniotic fluid of mice can be used to provide prulipotent stem cells which are later on transplanted on a human being suffering from a genetic mutation. The ethical issue here is use of non-human stem cells to produce stem cells which are later on added to body cells of a human being.
This is seen as violation of human dignity as well as reducing the respect which befits the patients (Coppi, Barstch, and Atala 2007).Although bone marrow transplants are quite commonly treated using stem cells, cases of the introduced cells dividing uncontrollably are not new in the field of stem cell research and transplantation. This uncontrolled division of somatic cells is often called cancer and if it is not diagnosed in advance, the patient may end up with more than one type of cancer. Although it is not always that such tumors are malignant it is often seen as creation of new health issues to the already ailing individual. The conflict arises on the need to use stem cells which have already undergone cell division and differentiation but then the issue of tissue rejection as is exemplified in earlier organ grafts will pose major threats. Hence the only way through which some form of genetic disorders can be treated is by use of undivided and undifferentiated stem cells (Coppi, 2007).
At times the researchers opt to use specific genes from the cultured stem cells such that after the gene is extracted, a fine electric needle is used to incorporate the new gene into the recipient. Such incidences have been linked to increased genetic mutations some of which are introduced as a result of interactions between the donor’s genes and those of the recipient (Centeno, Busse, Kisiday, Keohan, Freeman and Karli, 2008).The fourth ethical issues surrounding stem cell transplants are based on availability of the procedure to all races. Currently, the procedure involves a lot of extensive medical care for the patient in addition to elaborate research procedures. This makes stem cell transplantation very expensive beyond the reach of many people hence it is a reserve for the rich. The ethics of this issue is why researchers are not wiling to lower their charges as well as make it possible for everyone who is in need of stem cell research to have access to the treatment. This creates equal chances for all in addition to elimination of discrimination (Regalado, Antonio, and Hamilton, 2006).
References
Centeno CJ, Busse D, Kisiday J, Keohan C, Freeman M, Karli D (2008). “Increased kneecartilage volume in degenerative joint disease using percutaneously implanted, autologous mesenchymal stem cells”. Pain Physician vol. 11, iss. 3: pp. 343–53. retrieved on June 12, 2010 from: http://www.painphysicianjournal.com/linkout_vw.php?issn
P. De Coppi, G Barstch, Anthony Atala (2007). “Isolation of amniotic stem cell lineswith potential for therapy”. Nature Biothecnology 25 (5): 100–106.
Regalado, Antonio, David P. Hamilton (July 2006). “How a University’s Patents May Limit Stem-Cell Researcher.” Wall Street Journal. Retrieved on June 12, 2010
Takahashi K, Yamanaka S (2006). “Induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast cultures by defined factors”. Cell 126 (4): 663–76.
Wu DC, Boyd AS, Wood KJ (2007). “Embryonic stem cell transplantation: potential applicability in cell replacement therapy and regenerative medicine”. Front Biosci 12: 4525–35.
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