A group of surgeons in the USA transplanted a pig kidney to a human. Thus, the team achieved a first in the world. Thus, scientists are one step closer to using animal organs for transplantation.
The transplant in question took place at New York University Langone Health. Until now, the human immune system had rejected such a transplant because of the presence of Glycan (sugar molecule) in pig cells. For this reason, scientists first modified the genetics of the pig.
How did the pig kidney transplant happen?
According to the Independent’s report, scientists first changed the pig’s genes to remove the molecule so that the transplant would not be rejected. Meanwhile, the recipient was a brain-dead patient with renal dysfunction. The patient’s family authorized this operation before the doctors removed the life support unit.
Doctors prepare genetically modified pig kidney for transplant. (Photo: Reuters)
Surgeons told what they did during pig kidney transplant. They explained that during the surgery they connected the pig kidney to the patient’s blood vessels. They observed the kidney, which was kept outside of the patient’s body, for three days.
During the observation period, the researchers discovered that the patient’s immune system did not reject the kidney. They also found that the patient’s abnormal creatinine level, which indicates poor kidney function, returned to normal.
After the operation, Dr. Robert Montgomery told Reuters. Dr. The pig kidney produced the expected amount of urine in a transplanted human, Montgomery said. He also stated that this experiment will pave the way for trials in patients with kidney failure in the next year or two. These trials may be the solution until a new kidney is found.
What do you think about the future of these transplants? Do you think it is necessary to breed or kill animals for such activities? Or do you have ethical concerns? We are waiting your comments…
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