Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: a challenge for the XXIst century

Citation
J. Testart et B. Sele, Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: a challenge for the XXIst century, M S-MED SCI, 15(1), 1999, pp. 90-96
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
M S-MEDECINE SCIENCES
ISSN journal
07670974 → ACNP
Volume
15
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
90 - 96
Database
ISI
SICI code
0767-0974(199901)15:1<90:PGDACF>2.0.ZU;2-D
Abstract
The embryo preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PID) was proposed to avoid th e birth of genetically abnormal babies without the recourse to medical abor tion as it may occur with prenatal diagnosis (PND). In fact the number, ava ilability and statute of the potential persons submitted to diagnosis by ei ther PID or PND are not comparable. It is why the medical indications for P ID already begin to overstep particularly serious diseases. However PID wil l be limited to few cases till the supervention of certain new biological p rocedures in addition to molecular genetics. These procedures include: (1) increasing production of mature oocytes; (2) use of numerous genetic tests for each resulting embryo; and (3) cellular cloning of << the best >> avail able embryo. By cryopreserving many copies of this elected embryo one can a ssure the birth of a corresponding child despite the low pregnancy rate fro m each embryo transfer. To prevent such a eugenic future scenario, an inter national specific regulation on PID is a matter of urgency. We propose to l imit DNA identification in ex vivo embryos to only one gene, whereas chromo some aneuploidies should be detected without restriction.