Ethical Issues of Xenotransplantation.ppt
- 1. Biosafety and Bioethics of Biotechnology By: Ms. Aafia Sarosh Mphil, The University of Hull, UK
- 3. What is Xenotransplantation? Xenotransplantation refers to the practice of transplanting, implanting, or infusing living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another.
- 4. History of Xenotransplantation 1682 – Bone from a dog was used in Russia in an attempt to repair his injured skull. This attempt was reported successful. Late 1800’s – Frog Skins were often used as a way of healing burns or skin ulcers by grafting said skin directly onto the patient’s skin. 1905 – French Surgeon grafts kidney tissues from a rabbit into a child, the child died two weeks later 1920 – Doctor Serge transplanted tissues from the testicles of monkeys into older men, claiming that the procedure brought sexual rejuvenation.
- 5. History of Xenotransplantation 1963-4 – 12 patients received Chimpanzee kidneys , however, most failed within two months of the surgery, though one did live for nine months, the longest time for a xenotransplantation patient to live up to this date. 1964 – A 68-year-old man dies two hours after receiving a Chimpanzee heart. 1969-1974 – Chimpanzee livers were transplanted into three children. They only survived between one to fourteen days. 1977 – A 25-year-old woman receives a baboon heart but dies only six hours after surgery.
- 6. History of Xenotransplantation 1984 – Baby Faye receives a baboon heart and dies 20 days later. 1992 __ A pig liver was placed besides the patients own liver in hopes that the extra liver would assist the patient’s liver long enough for a human donor to be found. The patient died after 32 hours. 1993 – Baboon marrow and kidney transplant, patient dies after 26 days. 1995 – Immune cells from a Baboon used for an AIDS patient. Condition improved though cells died quickly. 1997 – Pig fetal nerve cells used in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Pig cells survived in one patient for over 7 months
- 7. Statistics Only 5% of the organs needed are available 1990 United States – 21,914 people in need of transplants, 12,580 received them 1990-1999 United States – 59% increase in rate of organ donors 2001 United States – 80,374 people in need of transplants 2001 United States – 6,124 people died waiting for transplants
- 8. Statistics 1996-2000 Canada – Waiting list grows by 62% 1996-2000 Canada – Number of transplants increases by 22% 1999 Canada – 170 (approximately 40% of those on the waiting list) people die waiting for transplants 2001 Canada – Almost 4,000 people waiting for transplants, a 15.6% increase in 3 years
- 9. Statistics The Need for Organ Donors grows at 15% per year 2004 Australia – In a survey two-thirds say they would use an animal organ to save their life 2004 Australia – Survey shows 7 out of 10 males would agree to xenotransplantation 2004 Australia – Survey shows 6 out of 10 woman would agree to xenotransplantation
- 10. Biological Concepts Transplanted animal cells to be used for hemophillia, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease Organ Transplants A Way of delivering genes of therapeutic importance Modern Uses
- 11. Biological Concepts Pigs have larger organs Pigs are already slaughtered every day for meat Primates have smaller organs Primates share most of our genetic make up Primates are not available in mass Primates vs. Pigs
- 12. Biological Concepts 25 known diseases can be contacted from pig to human Rejection rate is higher Public Health risks Perfection of Cloning Existing Problems and Worries
- 13. Biological Concepts Selective breeding Genetic alterations Containment New and more powerful drugs More Research Solutions to the Problems Pig Organ
- 14. Ethical concerns
- 15. Ethical Issues Jewish – Forbidden to eat any part of a pig Heart is the seat of the soul No hybridization of man with any other species But can use for non- curable diseases. Religion - Jewish
- 16. Buddhism has no rules either for or against blood, bone marrow and organ donation. An important part of Buddhism is the wish to relieve suffering. Religion - Buddhism
- 17. Religion – Christians • Use of animals for human benefit is acceptable. • Christians are encouraged to help others in need. • Many believe that organ donation is a genuine Christian act of love and a way of following Jesus’ example.
- 18. Religion – Hinduism No religious law prevents Hindus from accepting organs or tissue from animals except cow. Hindus believe in life after death and this is an ongoing process of rebirth. Hindu faiths still allow the individual to make a choice.
- 19. Religion – Islam • Based on Muslim law (Shariah), the Muslim Law Council of Great Britain supports xenotransplantation as a means of relieving pain or saving life. • But this process should only be done from a Halal animals… One cant use organs from the animals forbidden in Islam (i.e. Haram)
- 20. Ethical Issues Physical discomfort Psychological discomfort Why should animals suffer for humans? The right to life Animal Rights
- 21. Where are we headed? Although to date there still hasn’t been any long term success with xenotransplantation scientists are optimistic that humans will no longer have any shortage of organs, tissues, or cells for transplantation. Scientists are continually conducting experiments to find new ways to solve any existing problems and to help prevent any new problems. These range from developing new medications for rejection to breeding genetically engineered pigs for the specific use of xenotransplantation. Although there have been some ethical issues raised, there doesn’t seem to be any obstacles in the way of these remarkable experiments.
- 22. Informed consent for xenotransplantation In the ethical discussion on xenotransplantation, the subject of informed consent also deserves special attention. Given the animal source of the organs which will be transplanted, this issues concerns only the recipient and, secondly, his relatives. At the outset the recipient should be given every information regarding his pathology, the xenotransplant operation and subsequent therapy, and the probability of success and the risks of rejection.
- 23. Thank you