Mesothelioma Treatment

Archive for December, 2010

As genetic engineering advances questions arise about its risks for both human health and the functioning of ecosystems. Therefore, there are regulations on the legal conditions of use and dissemination of genetically modified organisms, which work together geneticists, bioethicists and lawyers.

It is difficult to estimate the risks and consequences of the discrepancy between the actual behavior of the genetically modified organism and the expected behavior.

Most risks are associated with the production and use of vectors to deliver a foreign gene into a cell.

As for the production of vectors, they are usually caused by a virus and although they choose according to their job security, possible genetic recombination between virus and cells of complementation, which can lead to replicating viral particles capable of infecting other cells.

Regarding the therapeutic use of genetically modified vectors, there is the possibility of recombination in the human body. If the target cell is already infected by a virus, a recombinant vector can transform the infectious virus. Retroviruses are chosen with no sequence homology with the viruses that infect humans. To prevent the spread of genes by viruses, limiting the use of vectors to certain venues.

Another type of risk is due to the ability of retroviral vectors to induce the production of tumors. To avoid this, are inserted into retroviral vectors suicide genes.

Despite the precautions the risk can not be eliminated completely. We will have to devise procedures to ensure patient safety and the environment. Thus, may be accepted gene therapy with its risks and benefits.

Another class of risks is related to genetic modifications of germ cells. Have already become sperm precursor cells in mice, these changes are transmitted to offspring. The technology opens up several avenues of investigation, as the study of the basic biology of sperm production, or use of these gametes precursor cells in experiments of genetic engineering and gene therapy, because the changes would become the next generation.

Applications can be beneficial, but also problematic. Some experts have pointed out the difference between introducing new genes to treat disease and alter the lineage of an individual, which can create serious genetic disorders. There is debate over whether scientists should, even, trying to eliminate genetic diseases through gene therapy of germ cells.

Hazards on ecosystems refer to the possibility of spread of the gene to other species and the consequences of introducing novel organisms in an ecosystem, which always disturbs the ecological balance. Environmental movements emphasize that the spread of a transgene by the ecosystem may be accompanied by undesirable effects, as in the case of the gene that encodes a toxin against insect pests of plants, which can promote the development of malaria strains resistant to this toxin. Also, it should assess the risks associated with the spread of transgenic animals, since it is difficult to prevent escape of farm enclosures, primarily on aquatic animals and insects, and that cross with wild or compete with them.

The danger of genetically engineered microorganisms handle depends on its ability to survive and exchange genetic material of microorganisms indigenous communities. Its impact on the environment is difficult to predict, some species may move or disappear, and the functions and structure of microbial communities may change, altering the ecosystem functioning.

Because of insufficient knowledge of the effects of genetic engineering, the current legislation should be made more restrictive and permissive as advancing knowledge on the subject.