Review
Copyright ©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 21, 2008; 14(15): 2303-2307
Published online Apr 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.2303
Gene therapy: Regulations, ethics and its practicalities in liver disease
Xi Jin, Yi-Da Yang, You-Ming Li
Xi Jin, You-Ming Li, Digestive Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Yi-Da Yang, Infectious disease Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Author contributions: Jin X and Yang YD contributed equally to this work; Li YM prepared the whole manuscript.
Correspondence to: You-Ming Li, Digestive Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Zhejiang University, No.79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China. jxfl007@hotmail.com
Telephone: +86-571-87236603
Fax: +86-571-87236611
Received: December 3, 2007
Revised: March 4, 2008
Published online: April 21, 2008
Abstract

Gene therapy is a new and promising approach which opens a new door to the treatment of human diseases. By direct transfer of genetic materials to the target cells, it could exert functions on the level of genes and molecules. It is hoped to be widely used in the treatment of liver disease, especially hepatic tumors by using different vectors encoding the aim gene for anti-tumor activity by activating primary and adaptive immunity, inhibiting oncogene and angiogenesis. Despite the huge curative potential shown in animal models and some pilot clinical trials, gene therapy has been under fierce discussion since its birth in academia and the public domain because of its unexpected side effects and ethical problems. There are other challenges arising from the technique itself like vector design, administration route test and standard protocol exploration. How well we respond will decide the fate of gene therapy clinical medical practice.

Keywords: Gene therapy; Liver disease; Hepatocarcinoma; Vector