The Pros And Cons Of Human Genetic Engineering

Introduction

Human genetic engineering was developed to help end diseases that are problematic to cure today, such as sickle cell anemia, Alzheimer’s, cancer and several others. Scientists are working on ways to directly manipulate an organism’s genome using biotechnology and to terminate certain diseases that occur as a result of genetic mutation. There is a clear indication that genetic engineering has the potential to improve the life quality and allow for longer life span. However, any technology that offers benefits usually comes with drawbacks. There is still a big question mark over its safety and there is a lack of knowledge about the long-term effects of the therapy. This field is also fraud with ethical issues including possibilities

However, the impact of gene therapy can be passed down to the future generation if the modification takes place within one’s reproductive cells, such as egg or sperm cells ().

According to a statistics report provided by The Journal of Gene Medicine, between 1989 and 2016, 2262 clinical gene therapy trails were initiated or approved worldwide, but less than one per cent of these trials have shown clinical benefits, which means gene therapy is still at its experimental stage (). However, we are uncertain at the potential long-term ramification of altering genes. Since human bodies are a complex mosaic, a positive change upstream could cause a negative effect downstream.

Several studies have already shown that human genetic engineering can pose serious health risks. This is because a gene cannot easily be inserted directly into cells. Instead, it usually has to be delivered through altered viruses. The body’s immune system may see the newly introduced viruses as intruders and attack them, which leads to inflammation or organ failure. There is also a possibility that these alter viruses might infect healthy cells as well as cancer cells, since viruses can usually infect more than one type of cells. Another danger is that the new gene might be inserted in the wrong location in the DNA and possibly induces tumor growth

One of the most notable cases was the death of 18 years old Jesse Gelsinger during the trail conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. Gelsinger was treated for a deficiency in ornithine tanscarboamylase, a condition where the liver is unable to metabolize enzyme. He died four days after the treatment due to severe immune system reaction leading to multiple organ failure (). To void such an unfortunate even from occurring in the future, medical researcher, institutions, and regulatory agencies are working together to ensure that gene therapy research is as safe as possible. These people share the same code of ethics as engineers – being responsible for the public’s health. By gaining an understanding of the health risks of human genetic engineering, we - as engineers-can better educate the society on the pros and cons of this