Background/aims: Leaders in the fields of nutrigenomics/genetics can benefit from studying the ethical and social issues raised by comparable biomedical developments in the recent past and their consequences for science and society.
Methods: Experience with recombinant DNA research, beginning in the early 1970s, and its commercial application, and with pharamacogenetics/genomics, beginning two decades later, is analyzed.
Results: Particular lessons are drawn from both experiences. As to the first, the conclusions are to encourage open discussion among scientists of the possible negative or risky consequences of their research; not to conduct such discussions behind closed doors, so as to involve rather than to surprise the public; and to keep in mind the international characteristics of science but the domestic nature of the manner in which it is regulated. As to the second, the lessons are to beware of hype, avoid genetic determinism, take account of the problems raised by similarities to traditional genetic screening/testing, overcome the medical system's lack of preparation to use the new information, and recognize that differences in access may exacerbate inequities in health and health care.
Conclusion: Awareness of these problems, which are likely to recur, can at least prepare those working in the field.
Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.