Examining the safety and efficacy of non-viral gene transfer in cartilage tissue engineering from the worldview of Islam

• Main Authors: Md Nazir, Noorhidayah, Sha'ban, Munirah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM 2016
• Subjects: TA164 Bioengineering
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/55030/1/Noorhidayah%202WCII2016%20Abstract.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/55030/

This paper examines the safety and efficacy of non-viral gene transfer in cartilage tissue engineering from the worldview of Islam. The first clinical trial treating adenosine deaminase deficient SCID patients conducted in 1990 has triggered the development of gene transfer technology. The potential of gene transfer is further explored in tissue engineering field with the hope it could prosper the regenerative medicine application. However, ethical issues become a hot topic when it comes to application of new treatment modalities, primarily in gene transfer because of genetic modification influences the basis of life - the DNA. Besides ethical issue, the application of gene transfer in treating diseases also attract views from religious context. The questions on the techniques to administer the gene in human, social acceptance of genetically modified cell and adverse effects from it are still debatable and unresolved. A part from that dilemma, both safety and efficacy issues are raised due to the scientific uncertainty and social perception of the technology. Despite countless number of encouraging findings and recommendations by the proponents of the technology, gene transfer is currently available only in a research setting. This paper outlines the safety and efficacy involved in gene transfer for cartilage tissue engineering application. The established guidelines are used to complement and provide the necessary foundations in discussing the aspects involved in the incorporation of gene transfer with cartilage tissue engineering. Relevant Islamic input are identified and aligned to those particular guidelines. It is hoped that the integration of Islamic inputs in the existing guidelines could suggest the safest approach in treating cartilage degeneration disease and other diseases through gene transfer technology.