This experiment could change the future and save the lives of people waiting for a liver transplant, researchers say.
The future of patients awaiting a liver transplant is very uncertain, as there is no way to replace this organ with a machine. This is not the case for the heart or the kidneys. But an incredible discovery made by researchers could well change the situation.
What are the hopes for patients waiting for a liver transplant?
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully circulated blood from a brain-dead donor through a genetically modified pig liver. For this unusual experiment, the donor liver remained in place, while a porcine liver was connected to the body using blood-carrying tubes.
Promising initial results showed that the porcine liver showed no signs of hepatic inflammation during the 72 hours of the experiment. As for the donor's body, it remained physiologically very stable. To explore this avenue further, new studies on three other donors should take place.
A transition time before the transplant
If the excellent results obtained are confirmed and the method proves safe, it would provide valuable time to patients waiting for a transplant. A major advance, since today, the most seriously ill patients are doomed in the absence of an available graft. At the same time, this technique would also be used to relieve patients suffering from injuries and liver damage.
Using a genetically engineered pig liver, @Penn_Transplant researchers successfully circulated a deceased donor’s blood outside the body. A promising step towards a more effective “bridge” for critically ill patients awaiting liver transplants. https://t.co/pA0grU4PdC
— Penn Medicine (@PennMedicine) January 18, 2024
“This milestone brings us closer to a future where we can offer effective treatments for acute hepatic decompensation”said Dr. Peter Friend, medical director of OrganOx in a press release.
