Surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of organ transplantation. In a novel experiment, they successfully attached a pig liver to a brain-dead human body and observed it effectively filtering blood. This groundbreaking technique could potentially be used to support patients with liver failure in the future.
The experiment, announced by the University of Pennsylvania, represents a unique approach to animal-to-human organ transplants. Unlike traditional methods where the organ is placed inside the body, in this case, the pig liver was used externally. This external attachment serves as a “bridge” to assist failing livers by performing the organ’s blood-cleansing function externally, similar to how dialysis works for failing kidneys.
Xenotransplants, which involve animal-to-human transplants, have faced challenges for decades due to rejection by the recipient’s immune system. However, scientists are now revisiting this approach using genetically modified pigs whose organs resemble human organs more closely.
In recent years, researchers have conducted experiments involving temporary kidney transplants from genetically modified pigs into brain-dead donors to assess their functionality. Additionally, two men received heart transplants from pigs, although both unfortunately passed away within a few months.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently evaluating whether to permit a small number of Americans in need of organ transplants to participate in rigorous studies involving pig hearts or kidneys.
While kidney and heart transplants have been the primary focus, some researchers are also exploring the use of pig livers. Unlike kidneys and hearts, livers have unique complexities as they filter blood, eliminate waste, and produce substances necessary for various bodily functions. Presently, approximately 10,000 individuals in the US are awaiting liver transplants.
In the recent experiment at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers connected a genetically modified pig liver from eGenesis to a device manufactured by OrganOx. This device is typically used to preserve donated human livers before transplantation. The family of the deceased, whose organs were unsuitable for donation, generously offered the body for this research. Throughout the experiment, machines ensured the circulation of blood within the donor’s body.
Over a period of 72 hours, the experiment successfully filtered blood through the pig liver device. The Penn team reported that the donor’s body remained stable, and the pig liver exhibited no signs of damage.
Dr. Parsia Vagefi from UT Southwestern Medical Center, who was not directly involved in this experiment but closely monitors xenotransplantation research, commended the researchers for their progress. He described this combination of pig and device as an intriguing step towards improving care for liver failure. Vagefi also noted that while previous attempts at using pig livers were made years ago, today’s advanced genetic techniques offer greater potential for success.
The successful filtration of blood through a pig liver in this experiment brings hope to those awaiting liver transplants. The development of liver dialysis-like machines has been an ongoing area of research, and this breakthrough paves the way for further advancements in the field. With continued progress in xenotransplantation research, patients with liver failure may soon have access to life-saving treatments that were previously unimaginable.
