Bioethical issues of regenerative medi­cine: theological aspects

Authors

  • Vera Aleksandrovna Osina St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University
  • Vladimir Albertovich Mostovoi St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University

Keywords:

theology, Orthodox anthropology, theological aspects, bioethics, regenerative medicine, stem cells, genetic engineering, tissue engineered structures, 3D bioprinting, organ donation

Abstract

Regenerative medicine is one of the most innovative areas of modern medical science. It is engaged in the treatment of chronic diseases by restoring damaged tissues and organs both through the activation of their regenerative potential and through the introduction of stem cells as well as the implantation of tissue-engineered structures. This innovative field of medicine combines a large number of rapidly developing biomedical technologies. They are able to actively intervene in human nature, and therefore need theological thought from the point of view of Orthodox anthropology. Current areas of regenerative medicine are the development of cellular and tissue engineering products, as well as the creation of artificial organs using the 3D bioprinting method and the development of biomaterials with well-defined properties. Currently, a number of theological problems of regenerative medicine require close attention. First of all, these include the problem of finding an ethically acceptable source of stem cells from the position of Orthodox anthropology. Notable the theological assessment of new technologies for interfering with the cellular genome and implanting tissue-engineered structures in humans. The theological assessment of therapeutic cloning and 3D bioprinting methods is also important. The article is concerned with a review of the theological literature on the possibility of using key methods of regenerative medicine from the perspective of Orthodox anthropology.

Author Biographies

Vera Aleksandrovna Osina, St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University

PhD in Medicine, Associate Professor at Department
of New Technologies in Humanitarian Education at Institute of Distance Learning
at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University,
Head of the Gastroenterology Department of the Therapeutic Center
of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “12th Clinical Diagnostic Center”
of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation (Russia)

Vladimir Albertovich Mostovoi, St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University

MD, Master’s student at Institute of Distance Learning at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University, Assistant at the Department of Social Work,
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University, Assistant at the Department of additional education Moscow Theological Academy of the Russian Orthodox Church (Russia)

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Published

2025-04-07

Issue

No. 4(12) (2024)

Section

Pr actical Theology