China successfully transplants pig liver into human patient
- A 71-year-old man in China received a genetically modified pig liver as a transplant.
- He lived with the pig liver for 38 days, showing no signs of inflammation during that period.
- This case indicates promising potential for pig-to-human liver transplants as a temporary solution for patients with serious liver conditions.
In a groundbreaking procedure, doctors in China successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig liver into a 71-year-old man with severe liver failure. This historic event marked the first time such a transplant was reported in a peer-reviewed journal. The transplant was performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, where Dr. Beicheng Sun leads the team. After the transplant, the man exhibited a stable condition for 38 days while the pig liver was functioning in his body. During this time, the pig liver showed no signs of inflammation, and the man's native liver had begun to improve. Despite the encouraging results, the patient's journey took a toll after about three weeks in the hospital. He developed severe abdominal pain, and medical tests revealed a tumor threatening to rupture, which necessitated removal. Once the tumor was excised, the transplant team proceeded with the pig liver implantation, leading to a quick improvement in liver function indicators within a day. Remarkably, there were no acute rejection signs observed in the man's body ten days post-surgery, and the left part of his native liver was reportedly performing better than before. However, the man's condition worsened on day 37 as he experienced a drop in blood pressure and fluctuating consciousness. By day 38, doctors assessed that his native liver could sustain his bodily functions, prompting them to remove the pig organ. This case signifies a pivotal breakthrough in pig-to-human organ transplantation, highlighting its potential as a bridging strategy for patients awaiting human liver transplants or recovery. Experts in the field are optimistic that these advancements may revolutionize transplant strategies. Dr. Beicheng Sun emphasized the respect owed to the patient and his family for their contribution to this critical area of medical research. This case bolsters the hypothesis that utilizing genetically modified pig organs could alleviate organ shortages, ultimately saving lives while researchers strive to enhance the feasibility and effectiveness of such transplantations.