A Christian perspective on stem cells

Stem Cell Research

A basic introduction- taken from a number of different sources

Wednesday 14 September 2011

What Are Stem Cells and why are they special?

Stem cells are the raw material from which all of the body’s mature, differentiated cells are made. Stem cells give rise to brain cells, nerve cells, heart cells, pancreatic cells, etc.


They have the potential to replace cell tissue that has been damaged or destroyed by severe illnesses.They can replicate themselves over and over for a very long time.It is said that understanding how stem cells develop into healthy and diseased cells will assist the search for cures.


Can we vs. should we

There have been dramatic advances in modern molecular genetics - we are capable of doing amazing things.

Should we ask the morality questions before attempting the “can we” questions?


Stem cell type Description Examples

Totipotent Each cell can develop into a new individual

Cells from early (1-3 days) embryos

Pluripotent Cells can form any (over 200) cell types

Some cells of blastocyst (5 to 14

days)

MultipotentCells differentiated, but can form a number of

other tissues

Fetal tissue, cord blood, and adult stem

cells


There are 2 sources of stem cells:Embryonic (also called “pluripotent”) stem cells are capable of developing into all the cell types of the body. Adult stem cells are less versatile and more difficult to identify, isolate, and purify.


Researchers extract stem cells from a 5-7 days old blastocyst.Stem cells can divide in culture to form more of their own kind, thereby creating a stem cell line.The research aims to induce these cells to generate healthy tissue needed by patients.

Embryonic stem cells





Where do we get embryonic stem cells?1. Excess fertilized eggs from IVF (in-vitro

fertilization) clinics2. Therapeutic cloning (somatic cell nuclear transfer)


Stages of Embryogenesis



Day 1Fertilized egg



Day 1Fertilized egg

Day 22-cell embryo



Day 1Fertilized egg

Day 22-cell embryo Day 3-4

Multi-cell embryo



Day 1Fertilized egg


Multi-cell embryo

Day 5-6Blastocyst



Day 1Fertilized egg


Multi-cell embryo

Day 5-6BlastocystDay 11-14

Tissue DifferentiationWednesday 14 September 2011

Where do we get stem cell lines?



Day 5-6Blastocyst



Day 5-6Blastocyst

Outer cells(forms placenta)



Day 5-6Blastocyst

Inner cells(forms fetus)




Isolate inner cell mass(destroys embryo)

Day 5-6Blastocyst






Day 5-6Blastocyst



Culture cells




Heart muscleKidney

Liver

“Special sauce”(largely unknown)

Day 5-6Blastocyst



Culture cells




Heart muscleKidney

Liver

“Special sauce”(largely unknown)

Day 5-6Blastocyst



Heartrepaired

Culture cells


Tens of thousands of frozen embryos are routinely destroyed when couples finish their treatment.These surplus embryos can be used to produce stem cells.Regenerative medical research aims to develop these cells into new, healthy tissue to heal severe illnesses.


Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer The nucleus of a donated egg is removed and replaced with the nucleus of a mature, "somatic cell" (e.g. a skin cell). No sperm is involved in this, and no embryo is created to be implanted in a woman’s womb.The resulting stem cells can potentially develop into specialized cells that are useful for treating severe illnesses.


Moral and Ethical Considerations of Stem Cell

Research

• Adult stem cells

• Embryonic stem cells

• Embryo must be destroyed

• When does human life/personhood begin?


The Ethical Debate

In favor:Embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) fulfills the ethical obligation to alleviate human suffering.Since excess IVF embryos will be discarded anyway, isn’t it better that they be used in valuable research?SCNT (Therapeutic Cloning) produces cells in a petri dish, not a pregnancy.


Against ESCR:In ESCR, stem cells are taken from a human blastocyst, which is then destroyed. This amounts to “murder.”There is a risk of commercial exploitation of the human participants in ESCR.Slippery slope argument: ESCR will lead to reproductive cloning.


The blastocyst used in stem cell research is microscopically small and has no nervous system. Does it count as a “person” who has a right to life?When does personhood begin? Does science have a view on this?In a society where citizens hold diverse religious views, how can we democratically make humane public policy?


When Does Human Life Begin? Medical Embryology Textbooks

The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology

“Zygote: this cell results from the union of an oocyte and a sperm. A zygote is the beginning of a new human being (i.e., an embryo). Human development begins at fertilization… This highly specialized, totipotent cell marks the beginning of each of us as a unique individual.”


When Does Human Life Begin? Medical Embryology Textbooks

The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology

“Zygote: this cell results from the union of an oocyte and a sperm. A zygote is the beginning of a new human being (i.e., an embryo). Human development begins at fertilization… This highly specialized, totipotent cell marks the beginning of each of us as a unique individual.”


Essentials of Human Embryology

“In this text, we begin our description of the developing human with the formation and differentiation of the male and female sex cells or gametes, which will unite at fertilization to initiate the embryonic development of a new individual.”


Essentials of Human Embryology

“In this text, we begin our description of the developing human with the formation and differentiation of the male and female sex cells or gametes, which will unite at fertilization to initiate the embryonic development of a new individual.”


Human Embryology & Teratology

“Fertilization is an important landmark because, under ordinary circumstances, a new, genetically distinct human organism is thereby formed…”


Human Embryology & Teratology

“Fertilization is an important landmark because, under ordinary circumstances, a new, genetically distinct human organism is thereby formed…”


When Does Human Life Begin? What Do Medical Doctors Say?

• Dr. Alfred Bongioanni (University of Pennsylvania):

“I have learned from my earliest medical education that human life begins at the time of conception.”

• Dr. Jerome LeJeune (University of Descartes):

“after fertilization has taken place a new human being has come into being.”


When Does Human Life Begin? What Do Medical Doctors Say?

• Dr. Alfred Bongioanni (University of Pennsylvania):

“I have learned from my earliest medical education that human life begins at the time of conception.”

• Dr. Jerome LeJeune (University of Descartes):

“after fertilization has taken place a new human being has come into being.”


• Dr. Hymie Gordon (Mayo Clinic):

“By all criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception.”

• Dr. Micheline Matthews-Roth (Harvard University Medical School):

“It is scientifically correct to say that an individual human life begins at conception”


The Embryo Is Not a Person

“Persons . . . are members of a social community that shapes and values them, and personhood must be defined in terms of interactions and relationships with others.”Susan Sherwin. 1999. Ethical Issues: Perspectives for Canadians


Embryo Is Not a Person – Rebuttal

Personality definition problems

• Does a human non-person exist?

• What traits define personhood?

• Who makes the definition?

• Society has excluded certain humans from personhood before (e.g., African slaves, Chinese, etc.) Should we make a new list of human non-persons?


Embryo Is Not a Person – Rebuttal

Personality definition problems

• Does a human non-person exist?

• What traits define personhood?

• Who makes the definition?

• Society has excluded certain humans from personhood before (e.g., African slaves, Chinese, etc.) Should we make a new list of human non-persons?


• The lack of certain personality traits would remove from personhood:

• Those who are in a coma

• Elderly with degenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, etc.)

• Mentally deficient

• Genetic

• Neurological disease

• Mental illness

• Is is okay to consider these human beings as non-persons?


Definition of Personhood

One who is consciously performing personal acts

eliminates those who are sleeping

One with a present capacity to perform personal acts

eliminates those who are in a coma


Definition of Personhood

One who is consciously performing personal acts

eliminates those who are sleeping

One with a present capacity to perform personal acts

eliminates those who are in a coma


One who has a history of performing personal acts

eliminates one who was in a coma from birth, but wakes up

One with a future capacity for performing personal acts

makes those who are dying as non-persons


Implications of Functionally-Defined Personhood

• Newborns lack the ability to perform personal functions – in fact, newborn humans are less capable physically and mentally than virtually all other mammals

• Therefore, on the basis of functionally-defined personhood, newborns fail the test could be killed on the basis of “non-personhood”


Implications of Functionally-Defined Personhood

• Newborns lack the ability to perform personal functions – in fact, newborn humans are less capable physically and mentally than virtually all other mammals

• Therefore, on the basis of functionally-defined personhood, newborns fail the test could be killed on the basis of “non-personhood”


At Conception, It Is Only a Single Cell

Claim:

Fertilized eggs are single cells, like blood cells or other parts of the body

Rebuttal:

This single cell is unique from both the father’s and mother’s cells and is the beginning of every new human being


Only a Small Percentage of Embryos Implant

Claim:Embryos are only potential life. Most do not result in birthsRebuttal:33% of implanted embryos die before birthThere are countries in which over 25% of children die before age 5. Should we allow killing of children?


Frozen Embryos Are Going to Be Discarded

Anyway

• Proponents of human embryonic stem cell research say that embryos from IVF are going to be discarded and, so, should be used for research

• Prisoners on death row are also going to die, so why not do research on them?


Devaluation of Human Life

Right now it is only 5-12 day embryos:

When science discovers it is impossible to produce organs/tissues in the absence of surrounding developmental processes, scientists will demand the tissues be allowed to “mature” prior to harvest


Christian Arguments and Response

• We may not do evil so that good will result (Romans 3:8)

• Humans are created in the image of God before birth

• The human soul begins before birth


Christian Arguments and Response

• We may not do evil so that good will result (Romans 3:8)

• Humans are created in the image of God before birth

• The human soul begins before birth


Bible: Human Life Begins Before Birth

"Did not He who made me in the womb make him, And the same one fashion us in the womb? Job 31:15Psalm 22:9-10Psalm 139:13-16Isaiah 44:2, 24


When Does Ensoulment Occur?

John the Baptist: "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine or liquor; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother's womb." (Luke 1:15)

Paul: But when He who had set me apart, even from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace… (Galatians 1:15)

Jeremiah: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)


Murder Defined by the Bible

• People are not to be murdered because they are created in the image of God. (Genesis 9:6)

• Murder must be intentional, with premeditation (Joshua 20:3)

• Killing of embryos is intentional, and premeditated


Biblical Arguments: Summary

• The Bible indicates that God recognizes human beings as persons prior to development in the womb

• Bible defines murder as being intentional and premeditated

• ESC research destroys embryos that are considered as ensouled human beings


Morality of Human Reproductive Cloning

• “Be fruitful and multiply” – assumed to be natural, but IVF and cloning not mentioned in the Bible

• Problems with cloned animals – most suffer premature aging and other genetic problems. Might be avoidable with better techniques?

• Biblical basis to condemn human reproductive cloning?


Stem Cell Research

This is a good primer on the subject - taken from the Centre for Bioethics and Human Dignity

website http://cbhd.org/stem-cell-research/overview


http://cbhd.org/stem-cell-research/overview

http://cbhd.org/stem-cell-research/overview

An Overview of Stem Cell Research

In November of 1998, scientists reported that they had successfully isolated and cultured human embryonic stem cells—a feat which had eluded researchers for almost two decades. This announcement kicked off an intense and unrelenting debate between those who approve of embryonic stem cell research and those who are opposed to it. Some of the most prominent advocates of the research are scientists and patients who believe that embryonic stem cell research will lead to the development of treatments and cures for some of humanity’s most pernicious afflictions (such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and diabetes).


Among the most vocal opponents of the research are those who share the desire to heal, but who object to the pursuit of healing via unethical means. CBHD’s view is that because human embryonic stem cell research necessitates the destruction of human embryos, such research is unethical—regardless of its alleged benefits. Ethical alternatives for achieving those benefits should be actively pursued.


1. What are human embryonic stem cells and how are they obtained?Human embryonic stem cells are the cells from which all 200+ kinds of tissue in the human body originate. Typically, they are derived from human embryos—often those from fertility clinics who are left over from assisted reproduction attempts (e.g., in vitro fertilization). When stem cells are obtained from living human embryos, the harvesting of such cells necessitates destruction of the embryos.


2. How are adult stem cells different from embryonic stem cells?Adult stem cells (also referred to as “non-embryonic” stem cells) are present in adults, children, infants, placentas, umbilical cords, and cadavers. Obtaining stem cells from these sources does not result in certain harm to a human being.


3. Is it ethical to obtain stem cells from human fetuses and umbilical cords?Fetal stem cell research may ethically resemble either adult or embryonic stem cell research and must be evaluated accordingly. If fetal stem cells are obtained from miscarried or stillborn fetuses, or if it is possible to remove them from fetuses still alive in the womb without harming the fetuses, then no harm is done to the donor and such fetal stem cell research is ethical. However, if the abortion of fetuses is the means by which fetal stem cells are obtained, then an unethical means (the killing of human beings) is involved. Since umbilical cords are detached from infants at birth, umbilical cord blood is an ethical source of stem cells.


4. Have scientists been successful in using non-embryonic stem cells to treat disease?Yes. In contrast to research on embryonic stem cells, non-embryonic stem cell research has already resulted in numerous instances of actual clinical benefit to patients. For example, patients suffering from a whole host of afflictions—including (but not limited to) Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases, stroke, anemia, cancer, immunodeficiency, corneal damage, blood and liver diseases, heart attack, and diabetes—have experienced improved function following administration of therapies derived from adult or umbilical cord blood stem cells. The long-held belief that non-embryonic stem cells are less able to differentiate into multiple cell types or be sustained in the laboratory over an extended period of time—rendering them less medically-promising than embryonic stem cells—has been repeatedly challenged by experimental results that have suggested otherwise.


5. Have scientists been successful in using embryonic stem cells to treat disease?Though embryonic stem cells have been purported as holding great medical promise, reports of actual clinical success have been few. Instead, scientists conducting research on embryonic stem cells have encountered significant obstacles—including tumor formation, unstable gene expression, and an inability to stimulate the cells to form the desired type of tissue. It may indeed be telling that some biotechnology companies have chosen not to invest financially in embryonic stem cell research and some scientists have elected to focus their research exclusively on non-embryonic stem cell research.


6. What is the relationship between embryonic stem cell research and "therapeutic" cloning?Another potential obstacle encountered by researchers engaging in embryonic stem cell research is the possibility that embryonic stem cells would not be immunologically compatible with patients and would therefore be “rejected,” much like a non-compatible kidney would be rejected. A proposed solution to this problem is to create an embryonic clone of a patient and subsequently destroy the clone in order to harvest his or her stem cells. Cloning for this purpose has been termed “therapeutic” cloning—despite the fact that the subject of the research—the clone—is not healed but killed.


7. Why should we value the human embryo?Underlying the passages of Scripture that refer to the unborn (Job 31:15; Ps. 139:13-16; Lk. 1:35-45) is the assumption that they are human beings who are created, known, and uniquely valued by God. Genesis 9:6 warns us against killing our fellow human beings, who are created in the very image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Furthermore, human embryonic life—as well as all of creation—exists primarily for God’s own pleasure and purpose, not ours (Col. 1:16).


8. Shouldn't it be ethical to allow the destruction of a few embryos in order to help the millions of people who suffer from diseases such as Parkinson's and heart disease?Many proponents of human embryonic stem cell research argue that it is actually wrong to protect the lives of a few unborn human beings if doing so will delay treatment for a much larger number of people who suffer from fatal or debilitating diseases. However, we are not free to pursue gain (financial, health-related, or otherwise) through immoral or unethical means such as the taking of innocent life (Deut. 27:25). The history of medical experimentation is filled with horrific examples of evil done in the name of science. We must not sacrifice one class of human beings (the embryonic) to benefit another (those suffering from serious illness). Scripture resoundingly rejects the temptation to “do evil that good may result” (Rom. 3:8).


9. What does the law say and can I have a voice?No forms of stem cell research or cloning are prohibited by federal law, though some states have passed partial bans. Private funds can support any practice that is legal, whereas federal funds cannot be used for research on embryonic stem cell lines unless they meet the guidelines set forth by the National Institutes of Health in July 2009. For the latest developments you can stay informed via the www.bioethics.com and the CBHD-maintained site: www.stemcellresearch.org.


http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/2009guidelines.htm

http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/2009guidelines.htm

http://www.bioethics.com/

http://www.bioethics.com/

http://www.stemcellresearch.org/

http://www.stemcellresearch.org/

A Christian perspective on stem cells

Documents

outer cells

heart cells

extract stem cells

pluripotent stem cells

adult stem cells

sources of stem cells

resulting stem cells

nerve cells