Should human gene therapy be continued, Biology

Assignment Help:

Debate over ethics of using gene therapy for treating human beings started since the discovery of recombinant DNA technology. The mere fact that it involves the alteration of DNA was a matter of concern for a large number of people who were against playing with nature (Sade and Khushf, 1998). This therapy comes with certain high end promises along with a few risk factors. However media had a strong role in exaggerating the negatives of gene therapy. Reports demonstrating that use of genetic vectors are associated with unwanted inflammatory responses and rejection of corrected cells by immune system has raised an alarm within the scientific community. This created a misconception that gene therapy is dangerous (Mavilio, 2010).

Slowly somatic gene therapy was accepted and considered to be an extension of normal medical treatment as a result of new research and clinical efficiency. Large numbers of inherited diseases, like retinal degeneration, SCID and adrenoleukodystrophy have been cured in the recent past using this therapy (Mavilio, 2010). In some cases this therapy made it possible to procure the normal treatment at affordable price. For example a patient suffering from SCID due to insufficient synthesis of ADA within body can be treated by drugs containing ADA. But this enzyme is costly and the addition of gene for ADA through gene therapy techniques is cost effective and provides a long term solution (Sade and Khushf, 1998).

However the ethical issues related to germ line theory are being debated to date. People who stand against gene therapy put forth the following arguments:

 


Related Discussions:- Should human gene therapy be continued

What is hmp pathway, What is  HMP pathway The HMP pathway like glyco...

What is  HMP pathway The HMP pathway like glycolysis occurs in the cytosol of the cell. However, C02  which is not produced  in glycolysis, is a characteristic product in HMP

Egestion of food, EGESTION To give out undigested food from alimenta...

EGESTION To give out undigested food from alimentary canal. Faeces can remain in colon for 36 hrs. then moving into rectum by gastro-colic reflex. Faeces consists of 3

Structure of phloem, Structure of Phloem In this we will explain the s...

Structure of Phloem In this we will explain the structural and functional relationship of phloem and compare it with xylem. The location of phloem with respect to other tissue

Agro industrial-potassium, Potassium Potassium, the third most abundan...

Potassium Potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the body, is the major cation in intracellular fluid. Forages are excellent source of potassium, usually containing 1 t

Define principle for simple staining of bacterial cultures, Define Principl...

Define Principle for Simple Staining of Bacterial Cultures? In simple staining, a single staining agent preferably a basic dye is used. Commonly used basic stains are carbol fu

How do you determine net atp production, How do you determine net atp produ...

How do you determine net atp production after complete oxidation to CO2 and H2O using mitochondrial ?-oxidation, the TCA cycle, the mitochondrial electron transport chain and oxida

Explain the technique of balloon mitral valvuloplasty, Q. Explain the Techn...

Q. Explain the Technique of Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty? The procedure is performed by cannulation of the right femoral vein and the procedure is similar upto transseptal punc

Explain prophylaxis with antimicrobial, Explain Prophylaxis with antimicrob...

Explain Prophylaxis with antimicrobial Prophylaxis with antimicrobials has decreased the incidence of surgical site infection after head and neck operations that involve an inc

Define absorption, Define Absorption, Storage and Elimination of Vitamin K?...

Define Absorption, Storage and Elimination of Vitamin K? Dietary vitamin K, mainly phylloquinone, is absorbed chemically unchanged from the proximal intestine after solubilizat

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd