Scientists in China have carried out an unprecedented intervention: a pig liver, genetically modified to reduce the risk of rejection, has been successfully transplanted into a living 71-year-old patient, being considered a "historic moment" in the field of medicine.
The patient was suffering from liver cancer and advanced liver disease, but was not suitable for a traditional transplant.
Human organs were not an option for him, so doctors decided to experiment with an organ grown from a genetically modified pig.
First results, promising – but complications followed
For a whole month after the operation, the pig's liver functioned normally and was not rejected by the patient's body.
But after day 38, serious complications related to the immune system response and blood vessel damage appeared.
Although doctors managed to treat him temporarily, the patient then suffered severe bleeding in the digestive tract and, unfortunately, died on the 171st day after the transplant.
What do the experts say?
Dr. Beicheng Sun from Anhui Medical University Hospital, co-author of the study, said:
"This case proves that a genetically modified pig liver can function in the human body for an extended period. It is a major step forward, although major biological and immunological challenges remain to be overcome."
The organs used come from the miniature Diannan pig, genetically modified 10 times to avoid rejection.
This process is called xenotransplantation – the use of animal organs for human patients – and is seen as a possible alternative for thousands of people on long waiting lists.
In Britain alone, over 8,000 people are currently waiting for a transplant, including 276 children. Of these, over 600 need a new liver.
Dr. Heiner Wedemeyer from the University of Hannover called this case "a turning point in hepatology," noting that while it gives new hope for patients with acute liver failure or cancer, major biological and ethical challenges still exist.
Even Dr. Beatriz Domínguez-Gil, director of the National Transplant Organization in Spain, warned that such interventions are still experimental:
"More work is needed to improve genetic modifications and avoid severe complications like those seen in this patient. However, these cases allow us to imagine a future where xenotransplantation will be a clinical reality."
A new era in medicine?
Experts agree that this is just the beginning of a new era.
If the biological challenges are overcome, genetically modified pig organs could become a vital resource for patients who cannot find human donors in time. /GazetaExpress/
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