In China, doctors have successfully transplanted a pig's kidney with multiple gene edits into a brain-dead human recipient.
To do this, scientists used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to add two human genes to the pig used in the transplant.
In both the cases — pig kidney and liver transplant — families of the patients agreed to the procedure to help advance medical science.
Also read | In a first, surgeons successfully transplant pig kidney to living patientWhy pig kidney transplants matter?
As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), every year millions of patients in China suffer from end-stage kidney disease, for which the only solution is a kidney transplant.
In China, doctors have successfully transplanted a pig's kidney with multiple gene edits into a brain-dead human recipient. The transplantation, as per reports, has been "working continuously for 13 days."
First time in China
This was the first of its kind operation in China and comes after similar transplants in the United States.
The procedure was done on March 25 by a team of doctors that only a couple of weeks back performed a successful pig liver transplant.
"As of April 7, the transplanted kidney has been working continuously for 13 days," Qin Weijun, director of the Air Force Medical University Xijing Hospital, told Science and Technology Daily on Monday.
"It is functioning well in the recipient's body and producing urine normally."
To do this, scientists used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to add two human genes to the pig used in the transplant. Additionally, they removed three pig genes that can cause hyperacute rejection, said the university.
In both the cases — pig kidney and liver transplant — families of the patients agreed to the procedure to help advance medical science.
Also read | In a first, surgeons successfully transplant pig kidney to living patient
Why pig kidney transplants matter?
As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), every year millions of patients in China suffer from end-stage kidney disease, for which the only solution is a kidney transplant. Yet, only about 10,000 transplants take place, reported the Air Force Medical University's Department of Urology in a WeChat post last week.
In such a scenario, xenogenic transplants, from one species to another, offer a solution. Pigs, who have similar metabolism and organ sizes as that of humans, are the first choice, as because of fears of higher risks of disease spreading, the US Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of monkeys.
However, there are some ethical concerns.
Ethical concerns over xenogenic transplants
These transplants, as per the report, come with an accelerated risk of acute rejection and the transfer of infectious diseases between the donor animal and humans.
Another concern raised by the animal rights movement is how these transplants ignore the rights of animals.
(With inputs from agencies)
