基因治疗的伦理反思

作为基因工程技术的应用之一,基因治疗（gene therapy）是指通过基因转移技术,将外源性正常基因导入病变部位的目标细胞,使之有效地表达为相应的蛋白质而发挥其生物效应,以达到治疗或预防疾病、增强人体某些性状的目的。因此,它也被称为＂分子外科手术＂。按照学术界当前较为一致的划分方法,根据运作细胞对象的不同,基因治疗可分为体细胞基因治疗和生殖细胞基因治疗;根据治疗目的的不同,基因治疗又可分为以防治疾病为目的的狭义基因治疗和以增强人类性状与能力为目的的基因增强。

Gene therapy,as one of the applications of Genetic Engeneering Technique,can deeply change human＇s ethical life,which triggers fierce dispute among scientists,philosophors,and especially the ethicists.This paper firstly introduces the definition and development of gene therapy,then takes the genetic enhancement techniques as an example,which is the most important and representative concept of gene therapy,to analyze the related philosophical dispute.Based on this view,we can hold a more positive and open attitude towards gene therapy.