It is possible to say that with the developing technology, many innovations that can be described as ‘groundbreaking’ have emerged in the field of medicine. Such developments; The transplantation of two pig kidneys into a human, or the successful transplantation of a pig heart to a human for the first time a few weeks ago, can be given as examples.
Now, scientists have taken an important step in regeneration technologies. Researchers in the United States have succeeded in developing a treatment that allows frogs to regrow their missing legs.
‘An important step for regenerative medicine’
regeneration of some animals; that is, they have abilities called regeneration. This situation, also known as restorative renewal; It allows some arthropods (like crabs) to re-grow limbs lost by fish and salamanders. It is thought that such a talent could play an important role in the developments in the field of medicine.
One of the animals capable of regeneration is the African clawed frog, also called Xenopus laevis. However, this species can regenerate its limbs only when it is a tadpole (pup). In adulthood, this ability is lost. Scientists from Harvard and Tufts University have also developed a drug for these frogs, allowing the lost limbs to be regained.
In the research, which was described as ‘an important step in approaching the goals of regenerative medicine’, a silicone cap containing a regenerative drug mixture was placed on the amputated area of the frog. This head was then kept in the missing area for 24 hours. As a result of the 18-month observations, it was observed that a new structure consisting of muscle, bone and protrusions was formed in the area where the lost limb was located.
‘It can guide treatments for humans’
The authors of the study, published in Science Advances, called this a “surprise”. Experts, the new limb formed does not have as much function as the lost leg; He stressed that he could only respond and help the creature swim. Biologist Kelly Tseng, one of the researchers, also said in a statement, “What is formed is not a complete limb; however, it is a robust response to the treatment developed”.
Noting that this treatment will be tested in mammals in future studies, the scientists also underlined that the technique used in this research is currently unlikely to be used in humans. The reason for this was shown to be that humans do not have the ability to regenerate like Xenopus frogs.
Still, it’s worth saying that this research on frogs is promising. Stating that adult frogs do not have the ability to regenerate like humans, experts state that this technique can lead and guide treatments that can be developed for humans, and they say: “One day, we will probably be able to develop this type of treatment for people who have lost a limb, and we will be able to regenerate the lost limbs. ”
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