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Villalba A. Artificial Gametes and Human Reproduction in the 21st Century: An Ethical Analysis. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01558-z. [PMID: 38780744 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Artificial gametes, derived from stem cells, have the potential to enable in vitro fertilization of embryos. Currently, artificial gametes are only being generated in laboratory animals; however, considerable efforts are underway to develop artificial gametes using human cell sources. These artificial gametes are being proposed as a means to address infertility through assisted reproductive technologies. Nonetheless, the availability of artificial gametes obtained from adult organisms can potentially expand the possibilities of reproduction. Various groups, such as same-sex couples, post-menopausal women, and deceased donors, could potentially utilize artificial gametes to conceive genetically related offspring. The advent of artificial gametes raises significant bioethical questions. Should all these reproductive scenarios be accepted? How can we delineate the range of future reproductive choices? A normative bioethical framework may be necessary to establish a consensus regarding the use of human artificial gametes. This review aims to present the current state of research on the biological roadmap for generating artificial gametes, while also summarizing proposed approaches to establish a normative framework that delineates ethically acceptable paths for reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Villalba
- Departamento de Filosofía II, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
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Simopoulou M, Sfakianoudis K, Tsioulou P, Rapani A, Giannelou P, Kiriakopoulos N, Pantou A, Vlahos N, Anifandis G, Bolaris S, Pantos K, Koutsilieris M. What will the future hold for artificial organs in the service of assisted reproduction: prospects and considerations. Front Med 2019; 13:627-638. [PMID: 31300970 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-019-0697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction provides a wide spectrum of treatments and strategies addressing infertility. However, distinct groups of infertile patients with unexplained infertility, congenital disorders, and other complex cases pose a challenge in in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices. This special cohort of patients is associated with futile attempts, IVF overuse, and dead ends in management. Cutting edge research on animal models introduced this concept, along with the development of artificial organs with the aim to mimic the respective physiological functions in reproduction. Extrapolation on clinical application leads to the future use of infertility management in humans. To date, the successful clinical application of artificial reproductive organs in humans is not feasible because further animal model studies are required prior to clinical trials. The application of these artificial organs could provide a solution to infertility cases with no other options. This manuscript presents an overview on the current status, future prospects, and considerations on the potential clinical application of artificial ovary, uterus, and gametes in humans. This paper presents how the IVF practice landscape may be shaped and challenged in the future, along with the subsequent concerns in assisted reproductive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece. .,Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias str., 11528, Athens, Greece.
| | | | - Petroula Tsioulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Rapani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Polina Giannelou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece.,Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kiriakopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500, Larisa, Greece
| | - Stamatis Bolaris
- Assisted Conception Unit, General-Maternity District Hospital "Elena Venizelou", Plateia Elenas Venizelou, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece
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Bredenoord AL, Hyun I. Ethics of stem cell-derived gametes made in a dish: fertility for everyone? EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:396-398. [PMID: 28279974 PMCID: PMC5376744 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A timely and thoughtful discussion of the ethical challenges and societal impacts presented by the recent reports demonstrating the successful in vitro generation of functional gametes from somatic and pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelien L Bredenoord
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Insoo Hyun
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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