Bioethical aspects of basic research and medical applications of human stem cells

Abstract

The new discoveries, the extraordinary dynamism in human stem cell (SC) research, and the great expectations of the benefi ts in clinical treatment of many diseases are on the edge of unparalleled advances in both: 1) the understanding of basic mechanisms of cell diff erentiation and development and 2) the translation from basic research to new clinical therapies. Human stem cells are obtained from diff erent sources, such as embryo, fetal, and adult tissues, in vitro induction (iPS cells) or transdiff erentiation. The evidence that these cells are pluripotent (or multipotent), meaning they have the ability to diff erentiate into all body tissues or tissues of the same lineage, raises the possibility that they could regenerate diseased or damaged tissue in diseases that until now have had no eff ective treatments. Human stem cell research and therapy raise important bioethical considerations because of the human nature of these cells and their peculiar characteristics. Here we discuss the bioethical aspects of basic human SC research and the conditions necessary for the translation of basic preclinical research into clinical use of SC.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) in mammals: epigenetic and developmental alterations. Scientific and bioethical implications for IVF in humans

“…These results obtained in animals rise scientific and bioethical questions of how this evidence should be considered on the increasing use of ART in humans [ 49 ]. Studies in animals, when possible and necessary are a bioethical imperative to assess the safety of new treatments and procedures; these are made before introducing the new techniques in medical praxis [ 216 , 217 ]. However this process, as it is performed today, did not occur with human IVF, due to reasons that are beyond the scope of this review.…”

The significance of cell-related challenges in the clinical application of tissue engineering

“…However, the benefit of ESCs in TE could be seriously undermined by several complications. First, the ethical and moral controversy surrounding the sacrifice of viable embryos to isolate ESCs . Second, the immunogenicity and potential rejection that can be triggered by immune‐mismatched ESC‐derived tissue.…”

Stem Cell Research in Latin America: Update, Challenges and Opportunities in a Priority Research Area

“…In 2007, a public cord blood bank (Banco de Vida; agreement signed between the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the Foundation Genómika; with CORFO cofunding) was established and the first allogeneic transplants were done [48]. There are also some experimental studies for the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, diabetes mellitus Type 1, lupus erythematosus, osteoarticular pediatric diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with small groups of patients [49,50]. Currently, according to Clinicaltrials.gov, there are two registered clinical trials for the use of MSC in patients in Chile.…”