Stem Cell Research: A Clash of Science versus Ethics - Literature review Example

Introduction Stem Cell Research- a clash of Science vs. Ethics, could well be a debate that might go on for generations as every individual has a different opinion about the subject. Should we allow doctors to play God and reverse our own destiny? Should we strive to provide cures that reverse the processes of injury and death? Or do we hold strong on our religious and moral aspects? These are the sorts of questions that have sparked the massive debate we have today. This field of science particularly deals with factors like cell plasticity and its capacity for “trans-differentiation” and “de-differentiation” in forming particular tissue types (Stojanoski et al, 2009, 71-84). The clinical application of this property has been of much interest to biomedical researchers in the recent years. Though the potential of stem cell research has been confirmed to have much clinical relevance, many social and spiritual controversies have been raised due to the developments in this field. Pierret and Friedrichsen (2009, 79-87) have analyzed the sociological aspects of stem cell research. Their study has urged serious discussion, both among college students and other social elements, on the ethical issues pertaining to stem cell research (Pierret & Friedrichsen 2009, 79-87). The authors have developed a new course termed ‘Stem cells and Society’ to attract the attention of students towards scientific realities in the research and also to the moral issues related to it. (Pierret & Friedrichsen 2009, 79-87). The study has also critically analyzed the ethical controversies that had erupted in relation to similar scientific innovations (Pierret & Friedrichsen 2009, 79-87). The purpose of our study, though, is not to argue about one particular stand point but to discuss both the view points and finally to allow readers to draw their own opinions and conclusions. In addition the process has been facilitated by providing an integrative review that details previous research, theories, explanations and answers and then counteracting them with questions and objections so that at the end of our research readers can make their own rationalistic conclusion. The Beginnings of Stem Cell Research Stem Cells, as defined by The National Institute of Health, are cells that have the ability to develop into different cell types within the body. Two facets make them incredibly important: Firstly, they can renew themselves during cell division and secondly, when grown under certain conditions, they can achieve specialised functions. These cells differentiate and form almost all the tissues of the body- skin, lung, brain, heart and muscle tissues among others. Stem cells can also be divided into two types: Embryonic stem cells and Adult stem cells which differ in both function and characteristics. According to the UK Stem Cell Foundation, stem cell work was first conducted in the early 1900’s with the discovery that white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets all arose from the same source. However, it was not until 1963 when Ernest A McCulloch and James E Till noted “the self-renewing activities of transplanted mouse bone-marrow cells” that confirmed such theories. Adult stem cells now play an integral role in chemo and radiation therapy as well as in other fields of biotechnology as they are grown and replicated in the lab. The discovery by James Thomson and his researchers from Madison University really helped to put Stem Cell Research on the map (Boyle, A, 2005). In 1998, for the first time ever, he isolated human embryonic stem cells from fertility clinics and then harvested them in the lab. This attempt along with the cloning of Dolly, the Sheep, two years earlier, caused a major ripple within the community. The Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research Pros Stem cell research has paved the way for scientists to decipher “how we are made or formed and try to reverse problems” (Richard Hamilton, n.d). It has been described as having “limitless potential” (McLaughlin, 2009) by many as it can aid in finding cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Stroke, Heart Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes, and hundreds of rare systemic immune disorders (Drlica,1997, p279) 1998). . There have been a number of researchers confirming the clinical application of stem cells. Stojanoski et al (2009, 71-84), stated that stem cells taken from the peripheral blood, bone marrow and umbilical cord can be used to treat haematological malignancies. The same study has also revealed the possibility of utilizing stem cells in the treatment of non-haematological diseases such as heart problems, diseases pertaining to the immune system and degenerative disorders (Stojanoski et al, 2009, 71-84). Treatment of acute Myocardial infarction using stem cells from bone marrow was also reported by the study(Stojanoski et al, 2009, 71-84). In conclusion the study has called for further research in the area so that stem cells can be used as a confirmed therapeutic solution (Stojanoski et al, 2009, 71-84). Coppes, van der Goot and Lombaert (2009 ,112-21) have further confirmed the clinical application of stem cell research in their study during which they had observed that normal tissue damage due to radiotherapy can be healed using stem cells. This could lead to improvement in the living conditions of the patient. Coppes, van der Goot and Lombaert (2009,112-21) have discussed in detail the progress in stem cell research and have confirmed its clinical implications. The study has defined the different types of stem cells and their respective roles in treating a number of disorders (Coppes, van der Goot & Lombaert 2009 ,112-21). This study could serve as a benchmark to further the scope of stem cell research as it describes the details on the current status, localization, characterization, isolation methodologies and the scope for use in therapy (Coppes, van der Goot & Lombaert 2009,112-21). Though the research and the allied application of stem cells is only in the primary stage, its scope in potential clinical application has been well asserted by the study. Stem Cells can also play a role in the development of organs, a better alternative to relying on suitable donors, which in today’s age can be quite a challenge to get. It can also be used a means to treat infertility in both men and women by nuclear transfer and embryo splitting (Brock, 1998, p 146). Stem cell is also the foundation for the development of cloning. Cloning, if practised on a large scale, could result in the development of a genetically ‘pure’ race - a community harboring individuals with “great talent, genius, character and other exemplary qualities” (Brock, 1998, p147). In theory we would be able to produce a society of Mozarts, Einsteins and Gandhi. With regard to research conducted on embryonic stem cells there has been a lot of disagreement surrounding the use of discarded foetuses as a source of stem cells. One third of zygotes do not implant (Devettre, 2000), and all these foetuses end up as medical waste. In turn they can be used to harness genetic material and thus this so called “waste” can be put to better scientific use. Although many religious and ethical debates have been raised for such a procedure even the ‘pro-lifers’ (White, n.d) believe that it is better to save life through stem cell therapy. Cons The arguments raised against stem cell research lies within the realms of religious and ethical areas. Stem cell research has faced similar disagreement and resistance as is the case with abortion which focuses on how “we should not mess with human life” (Stem Cell Research- Pros and Cons, 2008). Removing a one-week-old embryo from the uterus would result in certain death for the foetus involved, and hence a “life is lost in order to save others” (Hamilton, n.d). Religiously this act is considered akin to murder. According to Rigali, the archbishop of Philadelphia, "This action is morally wrong because it encourages the destruction of innocent human life, treating vulnerable human beings as mere products to be harvested”. The biggest controversy lies in the collection of embryonic stem cells and hence a massive plea has been raised to work with adult stem cells instead of embryonic ones, (that have produced cures in many diseases) and also to concentrate on the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells (White, n.d). Thus the key argument put forth regarding the use of embryonic stem cells is that “a life is a life and that should never be compromised”. A fertilized egg should be valued as a human life even if it is in its very first weeks. Destroying one human life with the hope of saving another human is not ethical (Experiment Resources, 2008). Thus as per this argument it is unethical for science to deal with stem cells, especially with embryonic stem cells. Theories that have been put forward on stem cells are often “over exaggerated or has flaws” (Brock, 1998, p148), for example there is no certainty that stem cell research can lead to full cloning. Even if stem cells could produce identical humans it “would diminish the value we place on, and our respect for, human life because it would lead to persons being viewed as replaceable” (Brock, 1998, p148). Despite the ethical and moral reasoning, another threat faced by the research teams is that stem cells can lead to illegal trade of human organs. As the source of the cell is mainly from the embryo, illegal trade of foetuses can be catalysed through acute development of this branch of research (Ganesh, Nathaniel & Peng 2007) Conclusion The controversies over stem cell research have had global attention in the recent years. The clinical applications of this branch of research have been confirmed by a number of researchers. However the arguments on the ethical and moral issues of stem cell research have been debated by social representatives. The challenge ahead for clinical researchers would be to make the implications of stem cell research weigh more than the ethical issues raised against it. This would require more discussions and consensus among the scientific community and the philosophical thinkers, along with the moral guides in order to formulate ethical guidelines for the optimal usage of stem cell research for the betterment of mankind. References Coppes, R P; van der Goot, A; Lombaert, I M A. (2009). Stem cell therapy to reduce radiation-induced normal tissue damage. Seminars in radiation oncology, 19(2):112-21 Boyle, A. (2005, June 25). Stem Cell Pioneer does Reality Check. MSNBC. Retrieved March 9, 2009, from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8303756/#storyContinued Brock, D.W. (1998). Cloning Human Beings: An Assessment of the Ethical Issues Pro and Con. In M.C. Nussbaum & C.R. Sunstein (Eds). Clones and Clones( pp.141 to 161).New York, New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. Deventerre, R. J. (2000). A New Conceptual Framework. [electronic version]. Practical Decision Making in Health Care Ethics, p174 Drlica, Karl. (1997). Gene Therapy. Understanding DNA and Gene Cloning (p.279). United States: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Experiment Resources. (2008). Stem Cell Research - Pros And Cons, Retrieved March 9, 2009 from http://www.experiment-resources.com/stem- cell-pros-and-cons.html Ganesh, G; Nathaniel, D& Peng C. (2007). Pros and Cons of Stem Cell research, Retrieved March 9, 2009 from http://www.bootstrike.com/Genetics/StemCells/proandcon.html Gorski, Eric. (2009, March 9). Religions Divided on Stem Cell Research. The Daily Breeze. Retrieved March 17, 2009, from http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_11876093 Hamilton, R. (n.d). Arguments For and Against Stem Cell Research. Helium. Retrieved 9 March, 2009, from http://www.helium.com/items/388696-arguments-for-and-against-stem-cell-research McLaughlin, D. (2009, March 10). Stem cell Research Pros and Cons. ShiftWits. Retrieved March 9, 2009, from http://www.shiftwits.com/stem-cell-research-pros-and-cons/ The National Institute of Health Resources for Stem Cell Research. (n.d). Stem Cell Basics. Retrieved March 17, 2009, from http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/ Pierret, C & Friedrichsen, P. (2009). Stem cells and society: an undergraduate course exploring the intersections among science, religion, and law. CBE life sciences education, 8(1), 79-87 Stojanoski, Z; Georgievski, B; Pejkov, H; Pivkova, A; Cevreska, L; Genadieva- Stavrik, S; Milenkov, V; Dukovski, R; Kotevski, V. (2009). Stem cell transplantation - new treatment approaches. Contributions / Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Section of Biological and Medical Sciences, 29(2):71-84 UK Stem Cell Foundation. (2007). Stem Cell History. Retrieved March 9, from http://domain883347.sites.fasthosts.com/research/history.html White, D. (n.d). Pros and Cons of Embryonic Stem Cell Research. ABOUT. Retrieved March 9, 2009, from http://usliberals.about.com/od/stemcellresearch/i/StemCell1_2.htm Read More