An overview on ethical considerations in stem cell research in Iran and ethical recommendations

• Published in: International journal of reproductive biomedicine (Yazd, Iran) Iran), 2017-03, Vol.15 (2), p.67-74
• Main Author: Farajkhoda, Tahmineh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Codes; Ethics; Jurisprudence; Medical research; Stem cells
• ISSN: 2476-4108; 2476-3772
• DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.2.67

Conducting research on the stem cell lines might bring some worthy good to public.Human Stem Cells (hSCs) research has provided opportunities for scientificprogresses and new therapies, but some complex ethical matters should be noticed toensure that stem cell research is carried out in an ethically appropriate manner. Theaim of this review article is to discuss the importance of stem cell research, code ofethics for stem cell research in Iran and ethical recommendation. Generation of stemcells for research from human embryo or adult stem cells, saving, maintenance andusing of them are the main ethical, legal and jurisprudence concerns in Iran.Concerns regarding human reproduction or human cloning, breach of humandignity, genetic manipulation and probability of tumorogenisity are observed inadult/somatic stem cells. Destruction of embryo to generate stem cell is an importantmatter in Iran. In this regards, obtaining stem cell from donated frozen embryosthrough infertility treatment that would be discarded is an acceptable solution in Iranfor generation of embryo for research. Ethical , legal, and jurisprudence strategiesfor using of adult/somatic stem cells are determination of ownership of stem cells,trade prohibition of human body, supervision on bio banks and information ofOversight Committee on Stem Cell Research. Recommendations to handle ethicalissues for conducting stem cell research are well-designed studies, compliance codesof ethics in biomedical research (specifically codes of ethics on stem cell research,codes of ethics on clinical trials studies and codes of ethics on animals studies),appropriate collaboration with ethics committees and respecting of rights ofparticipants (including both of human and animal rights) in research. In addition,there is a necessity to for extending global networks of bioethics for strengtheningcommunications within organizations at both the regional and international level,strengthening legislation systems, designing and establishing convenientcollaborative educational courses at different levels.