Benefits And Risks Of Gene Therapy In Sports

Genes affect sports performance and how much an athlete can excel in a sport. These are some of the examples from The Sports Gene. Amazing eye site are the genes that allow baseball players with their reaction time to be able to see the baseball to hit it. Nearly all MLB baseball players, aside from pitchers, have better than perfect vision which allows them to see the small changes in a pitchers mannerisms so they can react in time to hit

Genes are “the building blocks of our bodies” states AMA, because of how they act like instructions of sorts and carry the information that would help create proteins, they’re made up of hundreds of DNA and according to the Human Genome Project, humans have about 20,000 to 25,000 genes in them. Originally gene therapy was intended to be used for treating and curing diseases, which are caused by mutations in the genes, and by injecting in healthy DNA into the cells, it “repairs” the genes that are missing or not working properly. Genetic enhancement can be used for athletes, it’d be considered “gene-doping” though, technically the same process except with a different

The problem with gene doping is that it is causing many health problems. The type of gene doping that affects red blood cells can lead to anemia if it is done to people that already have the healthy amount of red blood cell. Their immune system detects this and solves solves problem by stopping the production of red blood cells, which leads to very severe and fatal issues concerning the loss of

This is one of the major factors that lead to the absence in the gaining of therapeutic science. Although the lack in progress cannot be the only factor blasted for; some scientific trials have confirmed both anxious and fearful, advancing tighter on gene therapy restrictions. According to Hogarth, this hotly debatable topic of whether it is dangerous or not “playing God” has caused many religious, governmental, scientific and public figures to signify their own concerns in fierce debates (Hogarth para 9). Since the beginning of gene therapy, there has always been a constant battle over the guidance of its future of whether gene therapy will transform into a therapeutic science or lead to unpleasant consequences as the eugenics did in the 20th century. The ethics of gene therapy have been established and based on, not only beliefs, but also the disconnection and advantages achieved in the trials, which has lead to the breakthrough of the future of gene therapy. The downfall and advancement of gene therapy are the hereditary products of research that have had a major influential impact on its ethical features. When gene therapy was a novice, it gained an immense amount of popularity when scientific research evolved towards identifying genes that induce certain diseases (Hunt, 2006).

Fifty years after the idea of gene therapy was first proposed, gene therapy has become a possible treatment for a couple different diseases. Before this treatment was approved, some serious unfavorable effects were found in clinical trials. However, these effects fueled more basic research in order to improve, in efficiency and safety. Gene therapy has been used for patients with blindness, neuromuscular disease, hemophilia, immunodeficiencies, and cancer.

Miah, an English bioethicist, academic and journalist, addresses the topic of genetic modification through the processes and technologies used in cloning and genetic modification in things such as food. The article discusses the potential threats that we may encounter when genetically modifying humans. In addition, Miah explains that we, as humans, have been genetically modifying other aspects of life, such as animals, for decades and that this technology is not new or unknown by humans. Specifically focuses on genetic modification and how that can benefit athletes. The book makes a strong comparison between the use of performance enhancement drugs, such as steroids, that have since, been made illegal in the world of sports. It refers to a

Most recently nematode worms are being genetically engineered with different proteins to study Alzheimer 's disease. In the prelude to these events the National Human Genome Research Institute was formed in 1990 and has been guiding the activities of genetic engineers since its founding. In 1997, the National Institutes of Health had a conference to discuss the ethics and possibilities entailed with genetic engineering. One interesting topic reviewed were the mutations in the human genome and their hereditary prospects and properties. Euro Mäntyranta was one such anomaly, a Finnish champion in his own right by winning two cross country Olympic gold medals. Not only from skill or talent did his victory come, but he had assistance from a genetic mutation that increased his red blood cell count. This newly found mutation increased his aerobic prowess. This mutation is only one of many that are found around the world and to control them is a goal waiting to be achieved. (Wilgar, Scott )

In the medical journal article “Harlequin Ichthyosis”, the authors Claire A. Scott, Shefali Rajpopat, and Wei-Li Di explain how “ABCA12 mutations underlie defective lipid transport, reduced protease regulation and skin barrier dysfunction." The first known case of HI was discovered in 1750, and was documented in the diary of Reverend Hart. The effects are apparent at birth and are commonly clinical. The entire body is born covered in a compact layer of white plates of scales separated by deep red cracks. The thickened skin, usually restricts movement and causes limb contractures, inevitably causing digital necrosis and autoamputation.

There are approximately more than 4,200 diseases that come from abnormalities in the human genes and also from the genetic makeup of a person (Gene Therapy). Many of these diseases can dexterously be treated and prevented. They can be averted through a newer development called gene therapy. Gene therapy is a type of genetic alteration that attempts to either cure or treat an ailment.

Currently, modified viruses, liposomes and bacteria are being employed as vectors for gene transfer with viruses being by far the most commonly used (Bonn, 1996). According to Craig Donegan, there are three basic methods of delivery: the ex vivo method transfers DNA to cells extracted from the patient and reinjects those cells, the in vivo method injects vectors into the bloodstream to seek and bind targeted cells, and the in situ method injects vectors directly into the affected tissue (1995).

Gene therapy works by adding a good copy of a defective gene to the cells in need (“What is”). Gene therapy is different than traditional treatments because it goes right to the source of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms (“What is”). Although gene therapy is a possible treatment for many medical conditions, conditions affecting many genes is not the best candidate for gene therapy (“What is”). Inserting the gene into a cell can be an extremely difficult process. To insert the gene into a cell, a virus is attached to a vector (Vachani). This vector is used as a carrier and is inserted into the body with the new gene attached. The gene then goes into the cell’s nucleus and becomes attached (Vachani). There are multiple ways to give gene therapy to people and researchers can find the most effective way. Since gene therapy is still new and being experimented with, the side effects are still unknown (Vachani). After the vector is inserted, the body may react and cause a fever, chills, nausea, and a blood pressure drop (Vachani). These side effects are usually gone after a day or two (Vachani). Although it has not happened yet, researchers are worried that the new genes could start to affect the healthy cells (Vachani). Depending on which cells it affects it could

The first method is to attach the gene to a virus. This is done by removing the functional group of the virus that harms the body and attaching the gene that is to be delivered into the cell. Retroviruses and adenoviruses are the two types of viruses used in gene therapy. Retroviral vectors are used because it inserts its own DNA into the host’s DNA. There are two ways to use retroviral vectors in gene therapy, introduce the vector intravenously, or removing the patient’s tissue, inserting the vector in a lab setting, then replacing the tissue. One of the flaws using the retroviral vector method in gene therapy is that integrase enzyme(responsible for integrating the retroviral DNA into the host cell) can insert the gene in any position in the genome. If the gene is place in the middle of another functional sequence, it would cause a malfunction of that particular gene. Not all gene sequences have a significant function, but there is still considerable risk in the retroviral vector method. Although it can be dangerous, this is most commonly used in patients with a small chance of survival, so the risk is not as

Gene doping is the use of gene therapy to enhance athletic performance. Gene doping proposes some potentially new or improved

The first type is a viral vector, which is a genetically altered virus that specifically targets injury sites. Here the genes that are used by the virus to duplicate themselves are detached and substituted with the anticipated growth factor gene. Viral vector systems remain the most efficient vehicles to achieve long-term stable gene expression in the CNS (Bower, 2011). Afterwards the virus attaches itself to the injured targets using receptors. Next, viral and/or cellular proteins will allocate the genetic code (rDNA) for the wanted growth factor within the cytoplasm and into the nucleus. Manifestation of the growth factor by the genetically transformed target cells can promptly be commenced.

Human beings are biological organisms that are all subject to disease. Disease is caused by infections which have various causes themselves. Infections may be caused by bacteria, in accidents or injuries, or even by abnormalities or idiosyncrasies from our genetic code. The immune system is responsible for fighting against infectious agents and protecting the body. However, for some a weakened immune system, especially a genetic predisposition to a weakened immune system, can leave individuals susceptible to dangerous diseases. That is where gene therapy comes in. Gene therapy is the replacement, or insertion, of an infected gene with a genetically altered and new healthy gene. The uses of gene therapy can open doors to many new cures for genetic diseases. It could be a cure for almost any abnormality as well. Therefore, with the help of gene therapy, human beings can benefit and even prolong their existence by preventing fatal diseases in future generations of families. Gene Therapy Gene therapy is the insertion of normal or genetically altered genes into cells usually to replace defective or diseased genes in the body. By using gene therapy, doctors can go to the source of the disorder or problem instead of prescribing a patient countless number of drugs (Hogarth, 2014). Gene therapy was designed to introduce new and corrected genes to compensate for any abnormal genes. If a mutated gene causes a protein to