The principle of time-lapse system is based on the continuous sensing of the development of the pre-implantation embryo and the assessment of its morphology. This is advantageous in assessing the quality and implantation potential of embryos, which are subsequently evaluated according to certain established criteria. This gives the opportunity to select the highest quality embryo to be implanted into the mother's womb during embryo transfer. This system also allows us to detect any abnormalities in embryo development. This is very important, because the occurrence of abnormalities in early embryonic cell division is quite common. Morphological evaluation of embryos indicates a high incidence of tripolar mitosis during this early embryo development. The result of this division is three blastomers instead of two, which is associated with an irregular chromosome separation, each of them may contain a different number of chromosomes. In the case where conventional embryo observation is used to observe embryo morphology at longer intervals, it may be that the changes associated with tripolar mitosis are not detected at all, and such embryos appear to be falsely prosperous and are often selected for transfer. This can have serious consequences in the case of implantation, because these embryos are not...

L'embryon humain est aujourd'hui au centre d'une multitude de préoccupations : personnelles, familiales, scientifiques, sociales, politiques et éthiques. Sa manipulation dans le cadre de la recherche scientifique constitue aujourd'hui une question controversée et polémique au Brésil et en France. En s'appuyant sur la théorie des représentations sociales, nous nous intéressons à comprendre comment des éléments contextuels façonnent la construction de l'embryon humain en tant qu'objet social. Nous avons entrepris un programme de recherche pluri-méthodologique afin d'étudier la production et l'actualisation des représentations concernant l'embryon humain et la recherche sur l'embryon humain en fonction des différentes dimensions contextuelles d'ordre cognitif et social au Brésil et en France. Ce programme s'inscrit dans une approche multi-niveaux des représentations sociales dont l'enjeu théorico-méthodologique est l'étude des phénomènes représentationnels dans différents lieux de production et d'actualisation (formation des savoirs et des attitudes, communications sociales, pratiques institutionnelles ; situations de naturalité et situations provoquées d'expression des représentations). Le croisement des différentes techniques nous permet d'accéder à des observations qui corroborent pour montrer l'incidence du social dans la construction de l'embryon humain en tant qu'objet de représentation et de statuer sur le caractère local/global de cette incidence. Nous discutons l'ensemble de ces résultats afin de montrer l'intérêt heuristique des représentations sociales dans les approches comparatives contextuelles en psychologie sociale et notamment dans le champ de la bioéthique. / The human embryo is at the center of a wide range of personal, familial, scientific, social, political and ethical concerns. Scientific use of the human embryo represents today a controversial issue in Brazil and France. Using the theory of social representations, we investigate how contextual elements shape the construction of the human embryo qua social object. We have undertaken a multi-methodological study to determine the production and realization of the representations regarding the human embryo and the scientific research on human embryos according to the different contextual dimensions of cognitive and social development in Brazil and in France. This program is a multi-level approach using social representations for which the theoretical and methodological challenge is the study of representational phenomena in different places of production and realization (construction of knowledge and attitudes, social communication, institutional practices; situations of naturalness and situations induced by the expression of the representations). The unification of different techniques has allowed us access to convergent observations that show the impact of the social construction of the human embryo qua represented object and to arbitrate the local / global character of that impact. In the discussion of the results we demonstrate the heuristic interest of the approach of social representations in the context of comparative approaches in social psychology, particularly in the field of bioethics.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(人間健康科学) / 甲第22837号 / 人健博第79号 / 新制||人健||6(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科人間健康科学系専攻 / (主査)教授 岡 昌吾, 教授 藤井 康友, 教授 萩原 正敏 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Human Health Sciences / Kyoto University / DGAM

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・論文博士 / 博士(医学) / 乙第13119号 / 論医博第2132号 / 新制||医||1023(附属図書館) / (主査)教授 大森 孝一, 教授 斎藤 通紀, 教授 長船 健二 / 学位規則第4条第2項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Univ., Diss.-2005 u.d.T.: Fumagalli, Manuel Angelo: Die immanenten Schranken des pränatalen Familienrechtsverhältnisses--Hamburg, 2004. / Literaturverz. S. 303 - 328.

Infertility affects 15% of reproductive-aged couples. The milieu surrounding the growing embryo is of outmost importance, and should be optimised during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Many biological processes, such as angiogenesis, coagulation, and immune processes need to be well regulated for a pregnancy to occur and progress normally. Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a plasma protein that regulates components of these systems by building complexes with various ligands. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in HRG, denoted HRG C633T, seem to be of importance for IVF treatment outcomes. The aim of this thesis was to further investigate the proposed human fertility effects of the HRG C633T SNP. According to the findings of this thesis, the HRG C633T genotype is associated with primary recurrent miscarriage. Male HRG C633T genotype is associated with semen characteristics in infertile men, and pregnancy rates following IVF. However, the distribution of the HRG C633T SNP does not differ between infertile and fertile couples. We further examined the role of the region surrounding the HRG C633T SNP for regulation of endometrial angiogenesis and human embryo development. The region affects primary endometrial endothelial cell migration, proliferation and tube-formation in vitro but does not appear to affect human embryo development. No effect of the HRG peptide was noted on the secretome of human embryos. However, early embryos secrete proteins into the surrounding culture media and the level of secretion of VEGF-A, IL-6, EMMPRIN and PlGF is greater in embryos of higher developmental stages. In conclusion, the HRG C633T genotype appears to play a role only if infertility is established. The region surrounding HRG C633T SNP is of relevance in vitro for regulation of human endometrial endothelial cell angiogenesis. To predict which embryos to transfer in IVF, we have highlighted a number of proteins of interest for further investigation.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The progress that has been made over the last decade in the field of medical technology, has made it possible to treat medical conditions today, that was considered incurable before. In the medical field there are three milestones in particular which has led to important new discoveries. These are the charting of the human genome, the development of cloning techniques, and the discovery that stem cells could be used in the treatment of a great number of illnesses, as well as the regeneration of sick or damaged tissue. The development of these therapies are, however, morally controversial. The main reason for this is the fact that in most cases, these techniques involve research on, or the use of, embryonic cells. The reason why many people believe that it is morally problematic to use embryo tissue for research and/or therapeutic purposes, is because embryonic cells have the potential to develop into fully independent human persons. It is, however, also this characteristic of these cells which makes them so suitable for use in stem cell therapies: Because certain types of stem cells, especially stem cells that are found in embryos in an early stage of development, have not yet differentiated into specific cell types, they can be used to repair any cell type in a person with a compatible tissue type. The reason for this is that undifferentiated stem cells have the potential to change into any cell type found in the human body. The question that arises when a decision about the moral acceptability of these therapies has to be made is whether one can say that an existing person who happens to be ill, has a higher moral standing than an embryo. The only way in which the use of embryo tissue could be morally justified, would thus be if it could be proved that the moral standing of an embryo is not equal to the moral standing of a person. The other important consideration that has to be taken into account when the moral acceptability of these therapies has to be taken into account is the fact that it is possible to harvest stem cells from a number of sources. Some of these sources of stem cells are less controversial than others. The discussion of the moral problems arising from the use of embryo tissue for therapeutic purposes, would thus, in this thesis, focus to a large extent on determining what the moral status of the embryo might be. The different positions with respect to the moral standing of the embryo will be discussed in the light of arguments for, as well as against the use of embryo tissue for therapeutic purposes. An explanation will also be given of therapies for which the use of embryo tissue might be needed, at present as well as in the future. The potential gains for people suffering from certain conditions, could possibly serve as a justification for destroying embryos for therapeutic uses. The main purpose of this thesis is to be able to give morally justifiable reasons for the therapeutic use of embryo tissue. The specific conditions that would have to be met to make these therapies morally justifiable will also be explained. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die vordering wat die afgelope dekade gemaak is ten opsigte van mediese tegnologie, het tot gevolg gehad dat dit vandag moontlik is om siektetoestande te behandel wat voorheen as ongeneeslik beskou is. Daar is veral drie belangrike mylpale wat in die mediese veld tot belangrike nuwe ontdekkings gelei het, naamlik die kartering van die menslike genoom, die ontwikkeling van kloningstegnieke, en die ontdekking dat stamselle gebruik kan word vir die behandeling van 'n groot aantal siektetoestande, asook die regenereering van siek of beskadigde weefsel. Die ontwikkeling van hierdie terapieë is egter moreel kontroversieel. Die rede hiervoor is dat hierdie tegnieke in die meeste gevalle navorsing op, of die gebruik van embrionale selle behels. Die rede waarom baie mense van mening is dat dit moreel problematies is om embrionale weefsel vir navorsing enlofterapeutiese doeleindes te gebruik, is omdat embrionale selle die potensiaal het om te ontwikkel tot volwaardige persone. Dit is egter ook hierdie eienskap van hierdie selle wat hulle so geskik maak vir terapeutiese doeleindes: Omdat sekere tipes stamselle, veral stamselle wat verkry word van embrio's wat in 'n vroeë stadium van ontwikkeling verkeer, nog nie gedifferensieer is wat seltipe betrefnie, kan hulle gebruik word om enige seltipe in die liggaam van 'n persoon met 'n verenigbare weefseltipe te herstel. Die rede hiervoor is dat ongedifferensieerde stamselle die potensiaal het om in enige seltipe wat in die menslike liggaam voorkom, te verander. Die vraag wat ontstaan wanneer daar besluit moet word oor die morele aanvaarbaarheid van hierdie terapieë, is of daar gesê kan word dat 'n reeds bestaande persoon wat siek is, 'n hoër morele status sou hê as 'n embrio. Die enigste manier waarop die gebruik van embrionale selle moreel regverdigbaar sou wees, sou dus wees indien daar bewys kan word dat die morele status van 'n embrio nie gelykstaande is aan die morele status van 'n persoon nie. Die ander belangrike oorweging wat in ag geneem moet word wanneer die morele aanvaarbaarheid van hierdie terapieë beoordeel moet word, is dat dit moontlik is om stamselle te verkry uit 'n verskeidenheid bronne. Sommige van hierdie bronne van stamselle is moreel minder kontroversieel as ander. Die bespreking van die morele problematiek rondom die gebruik van embrionale weefsel VIr terapeutiese doeleindes in hierdie tesis, sal dus tot 'n groot mate fokus op die bepaling van die morele status van die embrio. Die verskillende standpunte oor die morele status van die embrio sal bespreek word in die lig van argumente vir, sowel as teen die gebruik van embrionale weefsel vir terapeutiese doeleindes. Daar salook 'n verduideliking gegee word van watter tipe terapieë waarvoor die gebruik van embrionale weefsel nodig sou wees, tans en in die toekoms moontlik sou wees. Die potensiële baat wat siek persone uit hierdie terapieë sou kon vind, sou moontlik ook as 'n regverdiging vir die vernietiging van embrio's vir terapeutiese doeleindes kon dien. Die uiteindelike doel van hierdie tesis is om moreel regverdigbare redes te kan gee vir die terapeutiese gebruik van embrionale weefsel. Die spesifieke voorwaardes wat nagekom sou moes word om hierdie terapieë moreel regverdigbaar te maak, salook verduidelik word.

A dissertação trata do debate acerca do início da proteção do direito à vida e as consequências dessa proteção em relação às pesquisas com células-tronco embrionárias humanas, autorizadas no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro pelo artigo 5º, da Lei nº 11.105/2005, julgada constitucional pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal em sede de controle concentrado de constitucionalidade. A abordagem, que se concentrou no estudo da doutrina, legislação e jurisprudência, tem caráter preponderantemente dogmático jurídico, nas dimensões analítica, empírica e normativa. As principais conclusões são as seguintes: o direito à vida garantido pela Constituição Federal, estruturalmente, consiste em um princípio, com âmbito de proteção amplo, ensejando a necessidade de sopesamento com outros valores protegidos pelo ordenamento jurídico para sua aplicação; dentre as possíveis interpretações acerca do que consiste esse direito, ele pode ser considerado como um direito à própria existência, um direito à vida digna e um direito à proteção em face do desenvolvimento da biotecnologia; o início da proteção do direito à vida e as pesquisas e terapias com células-tronco embrionárias são disciplinados no direito brasileiro por dispositivos internacionais e nacionais, tais como a Convenção Americana de Direitos Humanos, a Constituição Federal e a Lei nº 11.105/2005; o fato de o Supremo Tribunal Federal ter considerado constitucional o artigo 5º, da Lei nº 11.105/2005, em sede de controle concentrado, não afastou a aplicação da Convenção Americana de Direitos Humanos (a qual contém norma que protege o direito à vida, em geral, desde a concepção) e nem impediu um controle estatal e internacional efetivo sobre as pesquisas e terapias com células-tronco embrionárias a fim de resguardar, dentre outros aspectos, o direito à vida em um enfoque transindividual. / The present work deals with the debate about the beginning of the protection of the right to life and the consequences of this protection related to human embryo-based stem cell research, authorized by the Brazilian legal legislation according to the Article 5 of Law no. 11.105/2005, considered constitutional by the Federal Supreme Court in the concentrated model of constitutional control. The approach, centralized in the study of the doctrine, legislation and jurisprudence, is based on a predominantly dogmatic legal nature, in the analytical, empirical and regulatory dimensions. Following are the main conclusions: the right to life grated by the Federal Constitution structurally consists of a principle, with a broad protection scope, that justifies the need of weighting with other values protected by the legal legislation for its application; among the possible interpretations of what this right is consistent of, it can be considered as a right to the existence itself, a right to a decent life and a right to protection facing the development of the biotechnology; the beginning of the protection of the right to human embryo-based stem cell research and therapies are set in the Brazilian Law by national and international precepts, such as the American Convention of Human Rights, the Federal Constitution and the Law nº 11.105/2005; the fact that the Federal Supreme Court considered the Article 5 of Law nº 11.105/2005, in the concentrated model of constitutional control, did not distract the application of the American Convention of Human Rights (which contains the regulations that protects the right to life, in general, from its conception) neither obstructed an actual state or international control on the human embryo-based stem cell research and therapies in order to protect, among other aspects, the right to life in a transindividual approach.

Title The legal status of the embryo from the perspective of European human rights protection Abstract The thesis addresses the question regarding the legal status of the human embryo in European law. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate whether the embryo stands in the position of a legal object or legal subject and whether the legal status of embryo is in compliance with natural law. For this purpose the thesis firstly defines the status in the field of natural law, i.e. the moral status of embryo. Afterwards, the thesis examines the legal position of embryo in human rights protection. The thesis answers the question whether the embryo is subject of human rights documents. The legal status of embryo is analyzed in relation to the subjectivity of human rights in general as well as in relation to specific rights. The interpretation of legal terms "human being" and "everyone" contribute to a better understanding of legal status of embryo in general. The analysis of the specific rights, namely the right to life, human dignity, personal integrity and non-discrimination, shows the complexity of the potential legal subjectivity of embryo in the area of human rights. The evaluation of the legal status of human embryo in the area of human rights protection is complemented by an assessment of legal status in other...

A dissertação trata do debate acerca do início da proteção do direito à vida e as consequências dessa proteção em relação às pesquisas com células-tronco embrionárias humanas, autorizadas no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro pelo artigo 5º, da Lei nº 11.105/2005, julgada constitucional pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal em sede de controle concentrado de constitucionalidade. A abordagem, que se concentrou no estudo da doutrina, legislação e jurisprudência, tem caráter preponderantemente dogmático jurídico, nas dimensões analítica, empírica e normativa. As principais conclusões são as seguintes: o direito à vida garantido pela Constituição Federal, estruturalmente, consiste em um princípio, com âmbito de proteção amplo, ensejando a necessidade de sopesamento com outros valores protegidos pelo ordenamento jurídico para sua aplicação; dentre as possíveis interpretações acerca do que consiste esse direito, ele pode ser considerado como um direito à própria existência, um direito à vida digna e um direito à proteção em face do desenvolvimento da biotecnologia; o início da proteção do direito à vida e as pesquisas e terapias com células-tronco embrionárias são disciplinados no direito brasileiro por dispositivos internacionais e nacionais, tais como a Convenção Americana de Direitos Humanos, a Constituição Federal e a Lei nº 11.105/2005; o fato de o Supremo Tribunal Federal ter considerado constitucional o artigo 5º, da Lei nº 11.105/2005, em sede de controle concentrado, não afastou a aplicação da Convenção Americana de Direitos Humanos (a qual contém norma que protege o direito à vida, em geral, desde a concepção) e nem impediu um controle estatal e internacional efetivo sobre as pesquisas e terapias com células-tronco embrionárias a fim de resguardar, dentre outros aspectos, o direito à vida em um enfoque transindividual. / The present work deals with the debate about the beginning of the protection of the right to life and the consequences of this protection related to human embryo-based stem cell research, authorized by the Brazilian legal legislation according to the Article 5 of Law no. 11.105/2005, considered constitutional by the Federal Supreme Court in the concentrated model of constitutional control. The approach, centralized in the study of the doctrine, legislation and jurisprudence, is based on a predominantly dogmatic legal nature, in the analytical, empirical and regulatory dimensions. Following are the main conclusions: the right to life grated by the Federal Constitution structurally consists of a principle, with a broad protection scope, that justifies the need of weighting with other values protected by the legal legislation for its application; among the possible interpretations of what this right is consistent of, it can be considered as a right to the existence itself, a right to a decent life and a right to protection facing the development of the biotechnology; the beginning of the protection of the right to human embryo-based stem cell research and therapies are set in the Brazilian Law by national and international precepts, such as the American Convention of Human Rights, the Federal Constitution and the Law nº 11.105/2005; the fact that the Federal Supreme Court considered the Article 5 of Law nº 11.105/2005, in the concentrated model of constitutional control, did not distract the application of the American Convention of Human Rights (which contains the regulations that protects the right to life, in general, from its conception) neither obstructed an actual state or international control on the human embryo-based stem cell research and therapies in order to protect, among other aspects, the right to life in a transindividual approach.