STEM CELL RESEARCH LEGISLATION

Stem cell research legislation

Stem cell research legislation

Introduction

Stem Cell Research using laboratory animals, mainly rodents, is allowed broadly in the world and follows the rules of Animal Welfare Guidelines from each country. In contrast, stem cell research using human stem cells can be a highly controversial topic, especially when involving cells derived from human embryos and fetuses. Conversely, using adult human stem cells, such as stem cells harvested from the bone marrow and cord blood, does not involve ethical questions.

This emerging area of science and knowledge obliges us to discuss the regulation of stem cell research at a national and international level and to review our values. To make regulations at national or international levels, it is necessary to take into account the historical perspectives of different cultures and faith traditions. The ability to treat diseases that do not have any treatment is a greater good, but it must be recognized that not all methods of achieving the ends are morally justifiable. Stem cell research from its onset has been considered a highly promising and valuable venue for biomedicine. However, there are theological, political, and ethical differences among the various cultures and nations in the world that may importantly affect the fulfillment of its promise (Aksoy, 2005).

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), a scientific society for stem cell researchers and a foremost authority in the field, has been working to preserve the scientific trust and, for this purpose, has formulated guidelines for stem cell research. These guidelines were developed by scientists and ethicists from 14 different countries and can be found at www.isscr.org.

Major Principles Of Stem Cell Research

Human stem cells can be classified on the basis of their origin and plasticity. Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are derived from the blastocysts from surplus embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) or produced by techniques such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). They are considered to be totipotent cells that have the ability to differentiate into all tissues of the adult organism. Human embryonic germ cells are derived from primordial germ cells of the fetus. They are called pluripotent, because they have a more restricted potential and cannot differentiate in all of the tissues of the adult body. Human somatic stem cells are derived from fetal or adult tissues or organs, including umbilical cord blood and placenta. They are classified as multipotent cells.

Despite discrepancies between what may or may not be allowed in different countries, there is definitely consensus on a basic set of principles. Accordingly, the ISSCR guidelines prohibit human reproductive cloning, in vitro culture of human embryos beyond 14 days—a limit established in 1984 by the War nock committee of the U.K. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, and the interbreeding of animals carrying human gametes.

Categorization Of Research On Stem Cells

hSC research is classified in three areas, according to the type of stem cells experiments. Restrictive research areas include the creation of human embryos for hES cell line derivation, introduction of human cells into animals during the ...