In a groundbreaking medical advancement, Chinese surgeons have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig liver into a brain-dead human patient. The procedure, conducted at Xijing Hospital in Xi’an, involved a liver from a Bama miniature pig with six gene edits to prevent immune rejection. The transplanted liver functioned for 10 days, producing bile and performing essential metabolic tasks before being removed at the family’s request.
This achievement marks a significant step in xenotransplantation, the practice of transplanting organs between species, and offers potential solutions to the global organ shortage crisis. Researchers envision using pig livers as temporary “bridge organs” to support patients awaiting human liver transplants or those with regenerating livers.
Despite the success, challenges remain. The pig liver produced less bile and albumin compared to human livers, indicating the need for further research to enhance functionality and compatibility.
This pioneering work builds upon previous xenotransplantation efforts, including pig heart and kidney transplants into humans, and underscores the potential of genetically modified pig organs in addressing critical organ shortages.
