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Kaiser B, Uberoi D, Raven-Adams MC, Cheung K, Bruns A, Chandrasekharan S, Otlowski M, Prince AER, Tiller J, Ahmed A, Bombard Y, Dupras C, Moreno PG, Ryan R, Valderrama-Aguirre A, Joly Y. A proposal for an inclusive working definition of genetic discrimination to promote a more coherent debate. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1339-1345. [PMID: 38914718 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01786-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Genetic discrimination is an evolving phenomenon that impacts fundamental human rights such as dignity, justice and equity. Although, in the past, various definitions to better conceptualize genetic discrimination have been proposed, these have been unable to capture several key facets of the phenomenon. In this Perspective, we explore definitions of genetic discrimination across disciplines, consider criticisms of such definitions and show how other forms of discrimination and stigmatization can compound genetic discrimination in a way that affects individuals, groups and systems. We propose a nuanced and inclusive definition of genetic discrimination, which reflects its multifaceted impact that should remain relevant in the face of an evolving social context and advancing science. We argue that our definition should be adopted as a guiding academic framework to facilitate scientific and policy discussions about genetic discrimination and support the development of laws and industry policies seeking to address the phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Kaiser
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Diya Uberoi
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Katherine Cheung
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andreas Bruns
- The German Human Genome-Phenome Archive, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Margaret Otlowski
- Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jane Tiller
- Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Yvonne Bombard
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Yann Joly
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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2
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Taylor-Robinson D, Kee F. Precision public health-the Emperor's new clothes. Int J Epidemiol 2020; 48:1-6. [PMID: 30212875 PMCID: PMC6380317 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Taylor-Robinson
- Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, The Farr Institute@HeRC, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Frank Kee
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research, Centre for Public Health, Queens University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Nicholls SG, Etchegary H, Tessier L, Simmonds C, Potter BK, Brehaut JC, Pullman D, Hayeems RZ, Zelenietz S, Lamoureux M, Milburn J, Turner L, Chakraborty P, Wilson BJ. What is in a Name? Parent, Professional and Policy-Maker Conceptions of Consent-Related Language in the Context of Newborn Screening. Public Health Ethics 2019; 12:158-175. [PMID: 31384304 PMCID: PMC6655345 DOI: 10.1093/phe/phz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn bloodspot screening programs are some of the longest running population screening programs internationally. Debate continues regarding the need for parents to give consent to having their child screened. Little attention has been paid to how meanings of consent-related terminology vary among stakeholders and the implications of this for practice. We undertook semi-structured interviews with parents (n = 32), healthcare professionals (n = 19) and policy decision makers (n = 17) in two Canadian provinces. Conceptions of consent-related terms revolved around seven factors within two broad domains, decision-making and information attainment. Decision-making comprised: parent decision authority; voluntariness; parent engagement with decision-making; and the process of enacting choice. Information ascertainment comprised: professional responsibilities (including disclosure of information and time to review); parent responsibilities; and the need for discussion and understanding prior to a decision. Our findings indicate that consent-related terms are variously understood, with substantive implications for practice. We suggest that consent procedures should be explained descriptively, regardless of approach, so there are clear indications of what is expected of parents and healthcare professionals. Support systems are required both to meet the educational needs of parents and families and to support healthcare professionals in delivering information in a manner in keeping with parent needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart G Nicholls
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)
| | - Holly Etchegary
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Laure Tessier
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
| | - Charlene Simmonds
- Health Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Beth K Potter
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa
| | - Jamie C Brehaut
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)
| | - Daryl Pullman
- Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Robin Z Hayeems
- Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children and The Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
| | - Sari Zelenietz
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
| | - Monica Lamoureux
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
| | - Jennifer Milburn
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
| | - Lesley Turner
- Provincial Medical Genetics Program, Eastern Health, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Pranesh Chakraborty
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
| | - Brenda J Wilson
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Parker CS, Tsai J, Siddiqi AEA, Atrash HK, Richardson LC. Meeting the emerging public health needs of persons with blood disorders. Am J Prev Med 2014; 47:658-63. [PMID: 25245797 PMCID: PMC4568742 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In its decades-long history, the Division of Blood Disorders (DBD) at CDC has evolved from a patient-focused, services-supporting entity at inception, to one of the world leaders in the practice of public health to improve the lives of people at risk for or affected by nonmalignant blood disorders. The DBD's earliest public health activities consisted of working with care providers in a network of hemophilia treatment centers to provide AIDS risk reduction services to people with hemophilia. Because this infectious disease threat has been reduced over time as a result of the development of safer treatment products, the DBD--under the auspices of congressional appropriations guidance--has expanded its core activities to encompass blood disorders other than hemophilia, including hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease, and Diamond Blackfan anemia. Simultaneously, in transitioning to a greater public health role, the DBD has expanded its network of partners to new consumer and professional organizations, as well as state and other federal health agencies. The DBD has also developed and maintains many surveillance and registry activities beyond the Universal Data Collection system aimed at providing a better understanding of the health status, health needs, and health-related quality of life of people with nonmalignant blood disorders. The DBD has integrated applicable components of the Essential Services of Public Health successfully to promote and advance the agenda of blood disorders in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Parker
- Division of Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - James Tsai
- Division of Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Azfar-e-Alam Siddiqi
- Division of Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hani K Atrash
- Division of Healthy Start and Perinatal Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Lisa C Richardson
- Division of Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
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5
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Reider B. Prophecy and Prevention. Am J Sports Med 2014; 42:1781-4. [PMID: 25086155 DOI: 10.1177/0363546514544630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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McGue M, Skytthe A, Christensen K. The nature of behavioural correlates of healthy ageing: a twin study of lifestyle in mid to late life. Int J Epidemiol 2014; 43:775-82. [PMID: 24711605 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyt210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the greying of the industrialized world has come increased interest in identifying the modifiable lifestyle factors that promote healthy and successful ageing. Whereas many of the behavioural correlates of late-life morbidity and mortality have been identified, relatively little is known about the origins of individual differences in these factors. METHODS A sample of 12,714 twins, including both members of 3806 pairs of known zygosity, ascertained through the Danish Twin Registry and aged 40 to 80 years, completed a self-report assessment of six lifestyle factors associated with ageing: smoking, drinking, diet and physical, social and intellectual activities. Standard biometric methods were used to analyse the twin data and determine the extent to which individual differences in each of the lifestyle factors are heritable. RESULTS For each of the six lifestyle factors, the estimate of heritability ranged from 32% (95% CI: 19-42%) for the diet scale to 69% (62-72%) for the smoking measure. Biometric estimates of the contribution of the twins' common rearing environment were uniformly small (≤6%). There was little evidence that standardized biometric estimates varied by gender or age. CONCLUSIONS Individuals likely construct lifestyles in part to complement and reinforce underlying genetically influenced dispositions and talents. The heritable nature of lifestyle factors implies that the behavioural and genetic contributors to ageing processes are not necessarily conceptually distinct but rather reflect the complexity of gene-environment interplay in ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt McGue
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, The Danish Twin Registry and Danish Ageing Research Centre, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, The Danish Twin Registry and Danish Ageing Research Centre, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Axel Skytthe
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, The Danish Twin Registry and Danish Ageing Research Centre, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, The Danish Twin Registry and Danish Ageing Research Centre, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, The Danish Twin Registry and Danish Ageing Research Centre, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, The Danish Twin Registry and Danish Ageing Research Centre, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, The Danish Twin Registry and Danish Ageing Research Centre, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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7
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Gotay CC. Cancer prevention: major initiatives and looking into the future. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2014; 10:143-54. [DOI: 10.1586/erp.10.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Laufman JD, Duquette D, Trepanier A. Evaluation of state comprehensive cancer control plans for genomics content. Prev Chronic Dis 2013; 9:E176. [PMID: 23256909 PMCID: PMC3528305 DOI: 10.5888/pcd9.120190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) plans address cancer burden at the state level through consolidation of activities and collaboration among stakeholders. Public health genomics strategies are increasingly important in prevention and treatment of cancer. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent to which CCC plans have incorporated genomics-related terms since 2005, determine which of the 3 core public health functions were fulfilled by genomics components, and identify facilitators of and barriers to integration of genomics. METHODS We reviewed 50 CCC plans in 2010 to assess use of 22 genomics-related terms. Among plans that used the term genetics or genomics, we examined the plan for inclusion of genomics-related goals, objectives, or strategies and documented the 3 core public health functions (assessment, policy development, and assurance) fulfilled by them. We surveyed plan coordinators about factors affecting incorporation of genomic strategies into plans. RESULTS Forty-seven of 50 (94%) plans included at least 1 genomics-related term. Thirty-two of 50 (64%) plans included at least 1 genomics-related goal, objective, or strategy, most encompassing the core function of assurance; 6 state plans encompassed all 3 core functions. Plan coordinators indicated that genomics is a low priority in state public health; barriers to incorporation included lack of sufficient staff and funding. CONCLUSION Incorporation of genomic terms into state CCC plans increased from 60% in 2005 to 94% in 2010, but according to plan coordinators, genomics has not grown as a priority. Identification of partnerships and resources may help increase the priority, encourage incorporation, and guide the eventual success of public health genomics in state plans. Strong partnerships with state public health departments, health care providers, and the research community are useful for integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Laufman
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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10
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Abstract
It is often argued that a major tension in bioethics is between protecting the private interests of individuals on one hand and contributing to the common good on the other. In this article I ask how fitting this description is as regards the interest at stake in relation to the issue of consent to participation in population data collections. I raise some doubts about what I take to be two common positions regarding public and private interests in this context. The first is that restricted individual consent protects private interests at the cost of public interest.
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11
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Abstract
The availability and the integration of genetic information into our understanding of normal and abnormal growth and development are driving important changes in health care. These changes have fostered the hope that the availability of genetic information will promote a better understanding of disease etiology and permit early, even pre-symptomatic diagnosis and preventive intervention to avoid disease onset. Hence, our aim was to review and provide the insight into the role of genetics in public health and its scope as well as barriers. The use of genetics along with their goals and essential public health functions are discussed. From the era of eugenics to the present era, this area has seen many turns in which geneticists have put through their effort to tie together the strings of both molecular genetics and public health. Though still the dark clouds of eugenics, the predictive power of genes, genetic reductionism, non-modifiable risk factors, individuals or populations, resource allocation, commercial imperative, discrimination and understanding and education are hanging above. The technological and scientific advances that have fundamentally changed our perception of human diseases fuel the expectations for this proactive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y B Aswini
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, Teerthankar Mahaveer Dental college and Research Center, Delhi Road, Moradbad, Uttar Pradesh, India
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12
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Boy R, Schramm FR. Bioética da proteção e tratamento de doenças genéticas raras no Brasil: o caso das doenças de depósito lisossomal. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2009; 25:1276-84. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2009000600010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir a moralidade do financiamento público das drogas órfãs, de altíssimo custo, para o tratamento de doenças genéticas raras, utilizando as ferramentas da Bioética, em especial o princípio da proteção, aplicável a indivíduos e populações vulneradas. Com base neste princípio, e considerando o contexto normativo constituído pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), argumenta-se sobre a obrigação moral do Estado de prover políticas públicas que assistam ao indivíduo portador de uma doença genética - como a de depósito lisossômico - e que pode, portanto, ser considerado, "vulnerado", bem como são sugeridas medidas que possam implementar e dar sustentabilidade a tais políticas com ênfase em questões de alocação de recursos, focalização e equanimidade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Boy
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Lévesque L, Ozdemir V, Gremmen B, Godard B. Integrating anticipated nutrigenomics bioscience applications with ethical aspects. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2008; 12:1-16. [PMID: 18266561 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2007.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nutrigenomics is a subspecialty of nutrition science which aims to understand how gene-diet interactions influence individuals' response to food, disease susceptibility, and population health. Yet ethical enquiry into this field is being outpaced by nutrigenomics bioscience. The ethical issues surrounding nutrigenomics face the challenges of a rapidly evolving field which bring forward the additional dimension of crossdisciplinary integrative research between social and biomedical sciences. This article outlines the emerging nutrigenomics definitions and concepts and analyzes the existing ethics literature concerning personalized nutrition and presents "points to consider" over ethical issues regarding future nutrigenomics applications. The interest in nutrigenomics coincides with a shift in emphasis in medicine and biosciences toward prevention of future disease susceptibilities rather than treatment of already established disease. Hence, unique ethical issues emerge concerning the extent to which nutrigenomics can alter our relation to food, boundaries between health and disease, and the folklore of medical practice. Nutrigenomics can result in new social values, norms, and responsibilities for both individuals and societies. Nutrigenomics is not only another new application of "-omics" technologies in the context of gene-diet interactions. Nutrigenomics may fundamentally change the way we perceive human illness while shifting the focus and broadening the scope of health interventions from patients to healthy individuals. In resource- and time-limited healthcare settings, this creates unique ethical dilemmas and distributive justice issues. Ethical aspects of nutrigenomics applications should be addressed proactively, as this new science develops and increasingly coalesces with other applications of genomics in medicine and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lévesque
- Programmes de bioéthique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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14
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Anderson G, Metcalfe A. Calling for international collaborative research in nursing, genetics and genomics: A discussion paper. Int J Nurs Stud 2008; 45:323-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2006.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2005] [Revised: 03/19/2006] [Accepted: 08/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Arnason V, Hjörleifsson S. Geneticization and bioethics: advancing debate and research. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2007; 10:417-31. [PMID: 17705026 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-007-9088-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Accepted: 06/29/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In the present paper, we focus on the role that the concept of geneticization has played in the discussion about health care, bioethics and society. The concept is discussed and examples from the evolving discourse about geneticization are critically analyzed. The relationship between geneticization, medicalization and biomedicalization is described, emphasizing how debates about the latter concepts can inspire future research on geneticization. It is shown how recurrent themes from the media coverage of genetics portray typical traits of geneticization and thus contribute to the process. We look at examples of small-scale studies from the literature where geneticization of medical practice has been demonstrated. Methodological disputes about the relevance of empirical evidence for the geneticization thesis and the normative status of the concept are discussed. We consider arguments to the effect that ideas from mainstream bioethics have facilitated geneticization by emphasizing individualistic notions of autonomy and responsibility while ignoring the role of genetics in the wider social context. It is shown how a concept like geneticization, which can be used to draw the attention of philosophers, social scientists and others to challenges that tend to be neglected by mainstream bioethics, also has the potential to move people's attention away from other pertinent issues. This may happen if researchers become preoccupied with the transformative effects of genetics, and we argue that a wider reading of geneticization should inspire critical analysis of the sociocultural preconditions under which genetics is currently evolving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilhjálmur Arnason
- Department of Philosophy & Centre for Ethics, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Abstract
Surface cells in adult ovaries represent germ line-competent embryonic stem cells. They are a novel type of totipotent progenitors for distinct cell types including female germ cells/oocytes, with the potential for use in the autologous treatment of ovarian infertility and stem cell therapy. Ovarian infertility and stem cell therapy are complex scientific, therapeutic, and socioeconomic issues, which are accompanied by legal restrictions in many developed countries. We have described the differentiation of distinct cell types and the production of new eggs in cultures derived from adult human ovaries. The possibility of producing new eggs from ovarian surface epithelium representing totipotent stem cells supports new opportunities for the treatment of premature ovarian failure, whether idiopathic or after cytostatic chemotherapy treatment, as well as infertility associated with aged primary follicles, and infertility after natural menopause. The stem cells derived from adult human ovaries can also be used for stem cell research and to direct autologous stem cell therapy. This chapter describes general considerations regarding the egg origin from somatic progenitor cells, oogenesis and follicle formation in fetal and adult human ovaries (follicular renewal), including the promotional role of the immune system-related cells in vivo, and possible causes of ovarian infertility. It then provides detailed protocols for the separation and cultivation of adult ovarian stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonin Bukovsky
- Laboratory of Development, Differenciation and Cancer, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, USA
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17
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Abstract
This paper is a contribution to debate on the challenge to public health of advances in genomic science and its applications. While genomics offers exciting possibilities for mitigating and preventing disease and disability, it is outpacing society's comprehension as well as public health policy and practice. There is controversy in Australia and internationally over the eugenic implications of genomics, with desirable outcomes for public health set against 'slippery slope' arguments. Controversy cannot be avoided; we risk divisiveness if it is not carefully managed with informed, social-consensus-building debate. Furthermore, the intrinsic tension between genomics (with its individual and family choices) and public health (operating for the public good) may even necessitate a reconceptualisation of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Kirkman
- Key Centre for Women's Health in Society, University of Melbourne, Victoria.
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18
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Achterbergh R, Lakeman P, Stemerding D, Moors EHM, Cornel MC. Implementation of preconceptional carrier screening for cystic fibrosis and haemoglobinopathies: a sociotechnical analysis. Health Policy 2007; 83:277-86. [PMID: 17368860 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2006] [Revised: 02/04/2007] [Accepted: 02/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To obtain more insight into the process of potential implementation of a screening program, which aims to identify carriers of cystic fibrosis and haemoglobinopathies before pregnancy, in order to enable couples at high risk of having a child with these disorders, to make informed reproductive decisions. METHODS Use of sociotechnical analysis, based on a model of co-evolution between technology and society, and, for comparison, the study of the implementation processes of two already existing health care programs with similar aspects to the screening program at issue. RESULTS Factors important for success appeared to be the existence of sociotechnical niches, in which technological options can be developed and studied in an experimental setting; a structural approach of providing information to future parents; a party that can articulate demand; governmental involvement in the attunement between various stakeholders; and a screening infrastructure in which large-scale DNA diagnostic services are available. CONCLUSIONS Successful implementation of preconceptional carrier screening for cystic fibrosis and haemoglobinopathies will depend on changes at both regime and landscape level, including the establishment of a new preconceptional health care setting and a clearly visible public health authority which can coordinate, monitor and evaluate such an initiative in public health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos Achterbergh
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Aitken M, Metcalfe S. The Social Imperative for Community Genetic Screening: An Australian Perspective. THE MORAL, SOCIAL, AND COMMERCIAL IMPERATIVES OF GENETIC TESTING AND SCREENING 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-4619-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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20
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Mackie P, Sim F. Future imperfect. Public Health 2005; 119:75-6. [PMID: 15694953 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2004.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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