Church cells and stance

Dr. Tran Manh Hung

INTRODUCTIONS:

Recently, mass media and newspapers have published and widely disseminated the research results of Stem Cells, especially the applications and effects of use. Stem cells in the treatments. It can be said that this is a great leap forward in the biomedical industry at the beginning of the 21st century. If it is true to the predictions and forecasts of researchers, this is a new discovery batch and extremely important for human civilization, most specifically in the field of medicine.

However, the above problem is still a relatively new event compared to the masses. Most ordinary people, if they can hear it, cannot grasp and understand it thoroughly. This has many causes.

Stem cells are being nourished

First , stem cell research began only in 1998, resulting from an understanding of the function of stem cells present in blastocysts (blastocysts - embryos that have been formed around 5 -6 days, after eggs fertilize), before they are differentiated (differentiated and differentiated), and therefore have the potential to become any kind of cell in the human body. That insight led researchers to work out how to isolate these stem cells from the embryo to isolate and nourish them in favorable environments, to the cells. The root can increase the reproduction of more cells like that. Researchers will then use medical techniques, such as stimulating cells, so that these cells will develop on their own and turn into separate tissues, such as muscles. in muscles, nerves, or pancreatic cells.

These specialized cells are then transplanted for the purpose of treating or replacing damaged tissues. Researchers have used animal stem cells for testing, especially for mice, and now they are experimenting on humans.

As mentioned above, the study of how to use stem cells for therapies for incurable diseases that most doctors have long since fought, so now capable and promising to become a reality, despite many challenges. However, it is according to experts' estimates that there is a lot of potential and it is considered as feasible.

The second most difficult cause is the use of technical terms to describe or explain these topics that are unfamiliar to the masses. Especially when it comes to translating them into Vietnamese language, since most of the current documents mention stem cell problems, they are all written in foreign languages. This is also a hard work and not very simple. I would like to be allowed to take an example to clarify the problem. Currently, the issue of " Human Cloning ", which I temporarily call ' Cloning ' is being discussed and debated in many countries around the world, among experts including enough ingredients, enough societies, social and religious.

The most remarkable thing about 6 years ago, a private company, called ' Advanced Cell Technology ' (ACT), based in Massachusetts - USA, on 25th In November 2001, it was announced on television screens that they had successfully performed " Cloning " a first human embryo. This has shocked the world, including life and religion. Immediately, the Vatican, and the late Holy Father John Paul II criticized and warned of the company's lack of moral character. All the above documents and messages are fully recorded in the news of Zenith News (released on November 26, 2001 - number ZE01112602 and ZE01112606).

And about 3 years ago, on February 12, 2004, research expert Woo Suk Hwang and colleagues, from Seoul National University in South Korea, took genetic material from adult cells (of the person) into the ovaries whose underlying genetic makeup has been removed. Thus the embryos formed by this technique all share the same genetic predisposition as the donor of the cell, and thus succeed, cloning the cloned embryo. Then researchers will harvest stem cells from these embryos.

But it is the same researchers who call on the world community to prohibit human cloning by human cloning method. They argue that the technique they used to clone human embryos should never be used to create babies. There is currently no government in the world that allows or legalizes reproductive cloning , although some countries allow the cloning of asexual embryos for therapies ( therapeutic cloning). ) and for experts to study more about incurable diseases. This has been adopted by a number of Congresses and has become a law, agreeing with scientists and researchers, to create embryos by cloning, to harvest stem cells for therapy and research projects.

Typically the UK and most recently Australia, on December 6, 2006, the Australian Federal Parliament voted, with 82 votes in favor and 62 votes against, permitting the abolition of the previous prohibition law. scientists in 2002 (see Herald Sun, Thursday, December 7, 2006, page 2), that they are not allowed to create embryos by asexual method used for research work, but only permission to use surplus embryos was formed by in vitro fertilization (In Vitro Fetilization - IVF). This has caused divisions and disagreements even among the national leaders, even if they share the same party.

As for the Catholic Church in Australia, this is seen as a loss between the balance of moral principles and the development of medicine. It seems that today people only focus on new inventions and leaps and bounds of science, in which the medical field is remarkable, sometimes to achieve their goals, scientists have disregard objective moral standards and be ready to use unrighteous means to achieve the results they desire. A specific example is not long ago, Dr. Woo Suk Hwang, from Seoul National University in Nam Trieu, told reporters and TV stations that he had successfully created eleven human embryos. This has shocked the whole world, so the press, especially the Medical Journal, praised Dr Woo Suk Hwang. But after a period of investigation, it was discovered that it was just " hype - rumors " that intentionally caught the attention of the world.

In parallel with these lively discussions, seminars have also been organized and regularly held in recent times, especially in European countries, and North American countries.

As mentioned in the introduction, there are currently heated discussions and debates among experts, especially biomedical sciences and moralists - learn. The willingness of the US president, George W. Bush, to agree to allow the use of federal funds to fund the study of about 64 different types of stem cells collected from embryos (embryos), due to the method In Vitro Fertilisation. The original purpose of experts when creating these embryos, is to implant infertile or infertile couples who want to have children, but because the number of embryos produced so much has become surplus, and has been frozen for a long time, so it has been decided to use it by specialists in the laboratory to take stem cells, of different types.

President Bush's work triggered a serious grievance between the United States Catholic Church (GHCG) and the head of state, supported by the majority of Catholic voters. Representing GHCG United States, Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, in the territory of Galveston-Houston, former president of the United States Conference of Bishops, made the following statement:

"For the first time in the history of the United States, the federal government has agreed to support research, which has resulted in the destruction of unrivaled people, aiming to benefit others . This decision allows companies, private research services in our country, to increase the development of irreverence to human life, so we pray and Hoping that President Bush will return to the principle of integrity, to combat behavioral practices that regard human life as nothing more than objects, which can be utilized for research and later purposes. that is destroyed. "

However, President George Bush has vetoed the US Congress's approval to allow experts to extend their research by using embryonic stem cells ( embryonic stem cells). This work was warmly welcomed by the group of life and the United States Conference of Bishops.

Richard M. Doerfinger, representing the director of the US Conference of Life's Office of Life Protection, spoke at the White House on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, as follows: 'We agree. President Bush has vetoed the law approved by Congress to allow scientists to use stem cells from embryos to study. This will encourage further destruction of human embryos to harvest stem cells. '

So, we need to distinguish to avoid misperception that, now, when it comes to studying stem cells, we need to be knowledgeable:

1) What is stem cell?
2) Where did stem cells come from?
3) Possible benefits in research related to stem cells.
4) Stance and views of the Catholic Church before this study.

So in this article, I try to clarify the issues mentioned above, to help us thoroughly understand the frustrating and difficult issues related to what is currently being discussed. controversy, ardent debate, especially in morality. For example, is it permissible, morally, to use embryos to harvest cells and make materials for research? So first, I would like to mention.

WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?

Stem cells are cells capable of indefinitely dividing, and are capable of reproducing and creating other cells with specialized functions, once they are implanted in a suitable environment . In order for us to have a specific concept of stem cell functions, the best thing is to test them in the development processes where humans are started when sperm makes eggs ( ovule ) fertilization, and then forming a single cell, called a zygote, is able to freely develop into a body ( organism ). Therefore, fertilized eggs ( zygote ) are also considered as full-energy cells. After the egg has been fertilized, only a few hours later (about 4-6 hours), the zygote will automatically divide into several totipotent cells , genetically homogenous.

The transformation of the Stem Cell

For that reason, suppose we take a whole-energy cell (which has been divided after 3 days of fertilized eggs ) to transplant into the woman's uterine wall ( if successful ) then this cell capable of developing into a fetus. Since then, we can explain the phenomenon of twins, which is an egg after fertilization, divided itself into two separate all-energy cells and then will develop itself into two separate individuals ( in 14 days after fertilization . Thus, genetically, twins (the same egg ) share the same gene.

About 4 days after fertilization, the zygote will undergo several cell division cycles, called duplication: from a single cell to 2, this takes about 30 hours after fertilized eggs. After 40-50 hours, they will divide themselves into 4 cells, and after 60 hours into 8 cells. When the fertilized egg approaches the pathway into the uterus, it develops into 16 cells, and it is called the morula ( Morula ). This event took place on the 4th day since fertilized eggs. In this stage, no predetermined nature of any cell will become a separate entity or part of the entity. Around the sixth or seventh day, zygote (the name of the egg after fertilization ) becomes blastocyst and it moves to the uterine wall to begin the nesting process, if successful. , conception will take place and the blastocyst will continue to grow. At this point, we can distinguish that the blastocyst consists of two types of cells:

- The first type of cell becomes an embryonic envelope (English called Trophectodern);
- The second type is the internal cells (Inner Cell Mass = ICM)

These internal cells will set up most of the body's tissues . Although internal cells can form, it seems, all kinds of cells in the human body, but they do not have the ability to form a body ( organism ). Intracellular cells are considered as multi-functional cells, because they have the ability to assist many different types of cells. Internal cells are multi-functional, however, they are not all-powerful cells, for which they cannot form a body, like all-energy cells, for example. oocytes.

Pluripotent stem cells continue to undergo differentiation to become stem cells in a way that supports cells that are functional or specialized - special. Blood stem cells , for example, support the red blood cells and white blood cells. Blood stem cells are present in the bone marrow of children as well as adults, in fact, they can be found in blood currently circulating in the blood vessels. Blood stem cells play a very important role, in providing enough blood cells in the human body, throughout life. Blood cells include: red blood cells and white blood cells. We cannot survive without blood stem cells.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE ORIGIN TO GET FROM?

Currently there are at least two methods to obtain multi-functional stem cells.

• The first way is done by Dr. James Thomson, of the University of Wisconsin - USA.

The pluripotent stem cells are directly separated from the internal cells of the embryo in the blastocyst stage. Then transplanting them into a suitable environment, with essential conditions for development, they will eventually produce a kind of multi-functional stem cell.

• The second way is done by Dr. Gearhart, of Harvard Medical School - USA. He segregated multi-functional stem cells from destroyed fetal tissues, because he did not want to continue carrying or for other reasons. This is done with the consent of the fetus owner and the responsible physician. He chose cells from the fetal regions that knew for sure that they would later develop into testicles or ovaries.

Differentiation of bone marrow stem cells

Although there are differences in the two sources of material to create multi-functional stem cells. However, the results of these stem cell formation are very similar.

Another type of stem cell, called " Multipotent Stem Cells ", can be found in some mature tissues. Recently, however, there have been positive signs that researchers can find more types of stem cells present in mature tissues. Previous examples, research experts think: stem cells do not seem to be in the brain nervous system. But in recent years, they have discovered and they have done experiments and showed that they can separate neuronal stem cells ( Neuronal Stem Cells ) from their brain nervous system. mouse. This was done by scientists at the Medical Research Institute " The Walter and Eliza Hall " in Parkville, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia. They isolated stem cells from an area of ​​the brain called the " Periventricular " area. From these stem cells, not only can the neurons be formed, but also the new tissue and muscle cells. So, with such successes, it will push the study of stem cells one step further, and hopefully it will contribute to the creation of drugs that will help people with brain injury to recover themselves. feedback

In contrast, in humans, stem cells of this type, if desired, can only be obtained from fetal tissues . Of course, this test for humans is very limited. However, it shows that there are feasible signs that it is not long before this can be applied to people.

In addition, stem cells can be found in some tissues of the baby's body as well as adults. For example, bone marrow stem cells, found in bone marrow. Bone marrow stem cells are responsible for reproducing cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Scientists have also found umbilical cord stem cells or placenta of newborn babies. Most recently, researchers have discovered that stem cells exist even in baby teeth (newly erected teeth), as well as in amniotic fluid .

All these stem cells have the potential to transform and become different types of cells with different functions . This is also what stands out in the study of stem cells in recent years, showing an outstanding development in medical technology. Adult stem cells ( Adult stem cells ) show that it has the same nature and function as Embryonic stem cells . This gives us a lot of promise and promise, in stem cell transplantation, to cure incurable and incurable diseases from the past to the present.

Stem cells can be collected from the umbilical cord or from the placenta

ADVANTAGES OF BENEFITS IN RESEARCH PROJECTS RELATED TO ORIGINAL CELLS.

The results of studies of the use of adult stem cells where humans show that " multipotent stem cells " (the name of a multi-functional stem cell ) have great potential in research work and the development of cell therapy ( cell therapies ). A concrete evidence is that adult stem cells can be used in transplantation. If we can separate stem cells from patients, then facilitate them to slowly divide and reproduce cells that have specialized functions. After that, we transplant them back to the patient. Doing so will prevent the cells from being rejected or protested by the patient's body.

How to use adult stem cells for therapeutic methods, to replace degenerated cells or to no longer be able to perform their own specific functions, will minimize or avoid Yes, even the use of stem cells derived from embryos or tissues from human fetuses. This has caused many objections, because of moral factors.

1. The feasible benefits

The possible benefits that current research experts offer are probably numerous. In the article about "The Benefits of Human Cloning." ( http://www.humancloning.org/benefits.htm ), the author gives some lists of practical benefits of cloning (Human Cloning). In general, almost all diseases can be cured, if you are willing to apply and allow asexual method. Because of the framework of the article, I am allowed to only mention what is the real nature that the community of the world is looking forward to in the research experts, based on the most recent discoveries.

2. The use of stem cells for therapeutic methods.

The majority of human illnesses are the result, because our human cells stop working or do not work as they do, or because the body's tissues are destroyed. Currently, to replace organs or transplant organs, as well as tissue that is no longer functioning properly, medical professionals have to use organs, such as the heart, kidneys, marrow, eyes. ., etc., are donated. However, unfortunately for us, the number of patients is increasing and exceeding the number of parts we have (due to donors' donations) to replace or transplant, transplant. Stem cells can provide us with a rich source of new materials, which can replace damaged cells and tissues, to treat incurable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease. , diabetes, dementia, spinal injury, stroke (chronic stroke), chronic rheumatic pain, severe burns, etc. It can be said that almost all common diseases now have many opportunities to treat by the use of stem cells that researchers have recently discovered.

However, with positive signs and great successes, it has been reaping a lot of remarkable and remarkable achievements in the treatment of contemporary diseases. Medicine today still faces some of the most difficult problems in applying and bringing these new discoveries into specific practice in health departments. These difficulties are significant, but not that we are unable to overcome them.

In short, we need to wait with time to see what specific benefits these human inventions will bring to mankind.

VIEWPOINTS AND SCHOOLS OF THE CHURCH OF CHURCH

In the face of new innovations in the biomedical industry, made in the early 21st century, specifically the use of stem cells in therapeutic methods. The Catholic Church always appreciates and encourages the efforts and goodwill of researchers.

A few years ago in Rome, the Holy City of the Church organized a Symposium, on 13-14, November 2001 at Pontifical Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum University - Rome. This conference was sponsored by 2 prestigious Universities and 1 Academy in the world: University of Francisco de Vitoria (Madrid - Spain), Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum (Rome) and Guilé Foundation (European Institute for Social Studies) - Switzerland), to discuss the problems and utilities for humans in stem cell research.

Dr. Esz D. D. Zanjani, one of the leading experts in stem cell research, is currently a professor at the University of Nevada, USA, has made judgments consistent with the views and trends set Current treatise of the Catholic Church."At present, there is a lot of data to show that we can successfully use adult stem cells to treat heart disease, and damaged tissues," he said. After many tests, the results showed that this work was very effective. " (Adapted from the presentation of Dr. Zanjani at the conference - Wednesday, November 14, 2001).

Tiến sĩ Zanjani còn cho biết thêm, theo như kết quả của những cuộc thử nghiệm vừa qua, thì nó chứng minh cho ta thấy, việc dùng các tế bào gốc trưởng thành, đạt được những kết quả khả quan như đã tiên đoán. Cho nên, "Tôi (Dr. Zanjani) thiết nghĩ chúng ta không nhất thiết phải sử dụng đến các tế bào gốc phôi (Embryonic Stem Cells), vì điều đó gặp phải nhiều sự chống đối xét về mặt luân lý, mà đồng thời kết quả thì cũng chưa chắc gì đã trỗi vượt hơn việc dùng các tế bào gốc trưởng thành trong các phương pháp trị liệu."

Với một lối suy tư tương tự như thế, bà Monica Lopez Barahona, giảng sư tại Đại học Francisco de Victoria (Tây Ban Nha), khi được phóng viên nhà báo phỏng vấn tại Hội nghị đã phát biểu như sau : "Không thể chấp nhận được sự việc tạo một phôi người, rồi sau đó chỉ lấy các tế bào gốc rồi thì hủy bỏ nó đi." Bà nhấn mạnh, theo quan điểm của các khoa học gia, thì hiển nhiên đã có sự hiện diện của một ' con người ' ngay từ lúc khi trứng được thụ tinh. Vì lý do đó, không thể chấp nhận được xét về mặt đạo đức, khi sử dụng sự sống con người này (tức là các phôi bị sử dụng để lấy tế bào gốc) để cứu một người khác (để cấy ghép hoặc thay thế các bộ phận bị hư hỏng) . Quan điểm này, chúng ta có thể tìm thấy trong giáo huấn của Giáo Hội: "Con người phải được đối xử như một nhân vị kể từ khi thụ tinh, và vì vậy cũng từ lúc đó nhân quyền của nó phải được thừa nhận, trước hết là quyền sống bất khả xâm phạm của một con người vô tội."

CONCLUDE:

Tóm lại, chủ trương và lập trường của GHCG hiện nay là không cho phép việc sử dụng các phôi người như thể là một vật-liệu để nghiên cứu, điển hình là việc tạo các phôi bằng phương pháp thụ tinh trong ống nghiệm. Sau đó, tách các tế bào gốc ra từ các phôi này rồi hủy chúng đi, làm như vậy theo quan điểm của Giáo Hội là không thể chấp nhận được, xét về mặt luân lý. Vì Giáo hội xác tín rằng: ngay từ giây phút thụ tinh, thì đã có xuất hiện sự sống con người (xem Huấn Thị Donum vitae và Thông điệp Evangelicum vitae). Điều này không ngừng được ĐTC Gioan Phaolô II lập đi lập lại, trích từ Huấn thị 'Quà Tặng Sự Sống - Donum vitae ' và ' Tuyên Ngôn về Việc Chủ Ý Phá Thai - Declaration on Procured Abortion ':

" Ngay từ khi trứng được thụ tinh, một sự sống mới được bắt đầu , mà sự sống ấy không phải là của cha cũng chẳng phải của mẹ, nhưng đúng hơn đó là sự sống của một con người mới và nó có thể tự mình phát triển." Lẽ đó, ĐTC kêu gọi, các cộng đồng và hiệp hội các khoa học gia trên thế giới "hãy tôn trọng tuyệt đối sự sống con người từ giây phút mới bắt đầu cho đến hơi thở cuối cùng."

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Dr. Tran Manh Hung
LJ Goody Bioethics Centre in WA
Email: phtran-ljgbc@iinet.net.au