Progress and Prospects: Gene Therapy for Performance and Appearance Enhancement

The document reviewed the potential of gene therapy for enhancing physical performance and appearance, including muscle strength, memory, weight control, height, and hair growth. Key strategies involved using insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), and myostatin inhibition for muscle enhancement, and adenovirus-mediated delivery of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) for hair growth, showing efficacy in treating chemotherapy-induced alopecia in mice. Ethical, societal, and safety issues were significant concerns, particularly the risks of modifying the human genome and potential inequalities. Despite promising preclinical results, some clinical trials, such as those for VEGF in muscle regeneration, did not show significant positive outcomes. The review emphasized the need for regulatory measures and ongoing research to improve efficacy and safety before such enhancements could become widely accepted.