The Ethics And Management Of Human-non-human Animal Chimera Research

Chimera is an organism carrying cell populations derived from two or more different zygotes of the same or different species.Research on human non-human chimeras(HNH-chimeras)is an important part of stem cell research.Scientists believe that chimera research is indispensable for answering basic questions of stem cells and developmental biology.Chimeras provide an in-vivo system to help us understand the differentiation and development of stem cells.Therefore,chimeras research will contribute to obtaining knowledge of human disease and applying to regenerative medicine.There are various ethical issues of different types of HNH-chimeras experiments,which need to be viewed separately:in-vitro studies use animal embryos before the emergence of primitive streak and in-vivo studies involve sensitive animals.In-vitro studies are at the earliest stage of development,stem cells have potential ability of chimerism.However,it needs special focus on the central nervous system and the reproductive system.In-vivo studies raise additional ethical questions of animal health and animal welfare.The ethical issues of HNH-chimeras research includes the following aspects.Firstly,the discussions of unnatural argument,species boundaries and offense on human dignity are common concerns.The essay analyzes the reasons of these arguments.From my perspective,it is not sufficient to constitute the grounds for objection.Secondly,we need to evaluate the moral status of HNH-chimeras.People should respect chimeras for the reason that we have moral obligations on them to some extent.Thirdly,it is essential to make the benefit and risk analysis of HNH-chimeras and the result should be acceptable.Fourthly,the essay elaborates animal ethics on the basic of the principles of animal welfare.At last,the research establishes the ethical framework based on the principles of non-maleficence,beneficence,respect,informed consent and transparency and proposes the governance suggestions.