Pig liver transplanted into living human for the first time worldwide - First Pig Liver Transplant in Human Shows Promise and Challenges
In a groundbreaking procedure, Chinese doctors have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig liver into a 71-year-old patient. The operation, a first of its kind, aimed to address the critical organ shortage in the country.
The recipient, suffering from hepatitis B-induced cirrhosis and a large liver cell carcinoma, underwent the transplant at Anhui Medical University. The pig liver was modified to avoid rejection reactions and promote immune and coagulation compatibility. Initially, the liver produced bile and performed some of its functions.
However, complications arose from day 31 onwards, specifically with the blood vessels. Despite these setbacks, the patient lived for 171 days post-operation. Regrettably, the pig liver had to be removed on the 38th day due to these complications. The patient later succumbed to sudden bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
The procedure, while not without challenges, highlights the potential of xenotransplantation - the transplantation of animal organs - as a solution to the persistent organ shortage. In Germany alone, over 8,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant, with around 950 donors last year. Further research and understanding are needed to overcome species-specific differences in liver proteins and other obstacles in this promising field.
The world's first pig liver transplant into a living human, led by Beicheng Sun at Anhui Medical University, has shown both promise and challenges. While the patient lived for over five months post-operation, further research is crucial for progress in xenoliver transplantation. This pioneering procedure underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to the ongoing organ shortage crisis.
