Human receives pig’s liver transplant for first time

Chinese scientists have managed to transplant the liver of a pork into a human recipient, in a world first.

Researchers from the fourth University of Xi’an military medicine used a genetically modified miniature pig, designed to minimize the risk of organ rejection.

The recipient, a dead person from the brain maintained on life support, received the pork liver, which then demonstrated functionality by producing bile and maintaining a stable blood flow.

During a 10 -day observation period, scientists have meticulously monitored liver performance, including its central functions, blood circulation and immune and inflammatory responses.

Researchers hope that the organ could be used as a future possible treatment for patients with liver failure awaiting human donors.

Professor Lin Wang, author of the study, published in The Nature Journal, said: “The liver collected on the modified pork worked very well in the human body. It is a great success.

“This surgery has really succeeded.”

“We examined the blood flow in the various vessels and arteries,” added Professor Wang. “The flow is very smooth. It worked very well.”

The experience ended after 10 days due to the requests of members of the patient’s family.

The liver had six of its modified genes to improve compatibility when it is transplanted into humans.

The results suggest that modified livers can survive and operate in human bodies, but additional long -term results are necessary, the study said.

Professor Wang added: “We have the opportunity in the future to solve the problem of a patient with severe hepatic insufficiency. It is our dream of making this achievement.

“The pork liver could survive with the original liver of the human being and perhaps it will provide them with additional support.”

Professor Wang also expressed the desire to conduct additional research on living and non -fatal human beings in the future, but stressed the complications and “many rules” around this.

Rafael Matesanz, founder of the National Transplantation Organization in Spain, said: “This is the first case in the world of transplant of a pork genetically modified in a human death of the brain.

“The ultimate goal of the experience was not to make a standard liver transplantBut to serve as a “bridge organ” in the event of acute liver insufficiency, while waiting for a human organ for a final transplant. »»

Mr. Matesanz said that the procedure has “succeeded in its planned objectives” and that similar transplants could be transported to living organizations “in the near future”.

Hepatic transplantation is the most effective treatment for liver diseases in the terminal stage, but the demand for donor livers far exceeds the supply, according to researchers.

Pigs are considered an alternative source of organs due to their compatible physiological functions and their size.

The pig of this surgery was provided by Doctor Deng -Ke Pan with the Clonorgan Biotechnology Company.

The transplant follows more than 10 years of research on this process on animals. In 2013, scientists carried out the first pork liver transplant on the other.

Previous studies on the renal and cardiac transplants of humans also succeeded, but although these organs mainly have a function, the multifunctionality of the liver was a “huge obstacle to overcome,” said Professor Wang.