EDITORIAL
Ethical aspects when using animals in research
According to the Helsinki Declaration, adopted by the 18th World Medical Assembly in Helsinki, Finland (1964), the first item of the Basic Principles states that "Biomedical research involving human subjects must conform to generally accepted scientific principles and should be based on adequately performed laboratory and animal experimentation and on a thorough knowledge of the scientific literature".
The Declaration of Geneva of the World Medical Association links physicians with the principle: "The health of my patient will be my first consideration". My patient, in this case, is a HUMAN BEING, but my patient may also be considered a LABORATORY ANIMAL.
Mandatory disciplines that discuss the care of animals used in experimentation have been created in our university. These disciplines are taught by researchers, veterinarians and animal care professionals.
The Brazilian College of Animal Experimentation (COBEA), affiliated with the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS) promotes the ethical care of laboratory animals used in research in our country. The first article of the Ethical Principles of the COBEA states that "All people involved in biological research must understand that laboratory animals have sensibility, memory and experience inescapable pain".
Various Brazilian researchers are not aware of this article and submit so-called "scientific manuscripts" to journals. These manuscripts contain reports of cruelty towards animals. Research without ethics cannot be considered serious research. Cruelty is the opposite of research. It is hideous, and can be compared to the atrocities committed at nazi concentration camps during World War II.
Ninety-five percent of the manuscripts submitted to the Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira journal where I work as Chief Editor involve research with laboratory animals. Manuscripts which are not in accordance with the ethical principles of animal experimentation are often submitted, but these unethical manuscripts are not accepted by the journal. They are returned to the author with the recommendations of the COBEA.
The Teaching Commission of the COBEA developed and published the revised and expanded 2nd edition of the manual for animal care professionals in 1996. Chapter 2 of this manual covers "Ethics, well-being and regulations regarding animal use in research".
It is necessary and even mandatory that Research Ethics Committees be created in every Institution where research is conducted. These committees must analyze protocols and also have teaching responsibilities.
People who use animals in research must be educated and aware of the ethical principles involving animal experimentation. The number of animals used should be reduced to the minimum possible, and animal pain, suffering or stress should be avoided. In England, concern regarding the use of animals in research has been voiced since 1876.
In 1988, the National Council of Health (NCH) approved the first regulations regarding ethics in research with human beings in Brazil. Soon after, a text which became NCH Resolution n. 196 was written. This Resolution led to the creation of the National Research Ethics Committee (CONEP), affiliated with the National Health Committee. CONEP regulates the protection of human beings involved in research. But where is the Committee that will protect the animals involved in research?
The Federal Law n. 6638 (dated May, 1979) regulates vivisection in the teaching of science, as well as other issues. However, it has not yet been regulated and implemented. Another bill to be approved by Congress, n. 1153/95, may restrict research using animals. This situation is worrying. Laws must warrant the proper care and use of animals in research, but we must be careful not to approve radical laws that may jeopardize our scientific and technological development.
The control of ethical issues involving animal experimentation can and should be exerted by journals when receiving the manuscripts submitted.
The instructions for authors of our journal Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira include a paragraph stating that ethical principles regarding the use of animals in research must be followed. But it does not suffice. We are currently requiring a copy of the letter of approval by the Research Ethics Committee of each institution where the study was conducted. In addition, each article must be approved by two different referees, who also analyze the ethical aspects regarding animal experimentation.
A study carried out at the School of Medicine of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, analyzed the instructions for authors of 139 Brazilian journals. They concluded that the majority of the journals (79.1%) did not mention ethical issues. Among the 29 journals that mentioned ethical issues, only one required a copy of the Research Ethics Committee letter of approval.
Let's hope that the problem we face regarding animal experimentation be duly addressed by editors.
Saul Goldenberg
Chief Editor, Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira.
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
22 June 2005 -
Date of issue
Mar 2005
