Articles tagged with Organ Transplantation
Researchers create living tissue at near-physiological cell density using a new bioprinting strategy called embedded 3D printing in a cell-dense suspension (EPICS). The method enables the precise fabrication of perfusable channels and dense cellular environments, mimicking real organs.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have found that disrupted lymphatic vessels may trigger chronic organ rejection in transplanted lungs and hearts. The study suggests that preventing hyaluronan buildup or restoring lymphatic drainage could prevent fibrosis and long-term damage.
Researchers developed a vascularized liver tissueoid-on-a-chip that recapitulates key structural, functional, and immunological features of human liver tissue. The platform enabled the study of liver regeneration and immune-mediated allograft rejection in a physiologically relevant human system.
The hospital achieved a 22-percent increase over its previous peak year, performing more pediatric liver and kidney transplants than any other in the nation. The team is also recognized as a leader in pediatric lung and heart transplantation, with exceptional post-transplant survival rates.
A new study offers hope that kidney transplant patients may one day have a more effective treatment regimen. The Phase 2 pilot study showed improved kidney functioning in all patients who completed the study, with no patients experiencing rejection due to antibodies produced by the immune system.
A team at UC San Diego is developing functional, patient-specific livers using 3D bioprinting and stem cell technology. The goal is to create 'made-to-order' livers grown from a patient's own cells, offering a safe alternative to transplantation that eliminates the need for donor organs.
A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.
Researchers identified the spleen as a key control center for transplant tolerance, triggering donor-specific regulatory T cells to calm the immune response. This targeted approach induces controlled, donor-specific state in T cells, preserving body's ability to fight infections while supporting long-term graft acceptance.
Gracie Greenlaw, an 11-year-old patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, undergoes the world's first pediatric heart and liver dual organ transplant at Children's Hospital Colorado. The groundbreaking procedure, performed by Dr. Megan Adams' team, aims to improve her quality of life by addressing long-term complications from her h...
Mayo Clinic researchers developed an AI-ECG model that accurately diagnoses advanced chronic liver disease, allowing for early intervention and potential lifesaving treatment. The study found the model detected twice as many cases as standard methods, highlighting the promise of AI in preventive care.
Despite challenges such as donor shortages and socioeconomic disparities, adult heart transplantation has achieved remarkable success in the US and Western Europe. The two regions have embraced different approaches to transplantation systems, shaped by cultural and political attitudes.
A multinational study found PSC prevalence among Asian IBD patients to be markedly lower than in Western countries, associated with more favorable clinical outcomes. The proportion of asymptomatic PSC cases has increased due to improved imaging modality detection, allowing for early-stage diagnosis and reduced liver transplantation rates.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in overcoming immune reactions behind human rejection of transplanted pig kidneys, paving the way for more successful clinical trials. The study reveals three major immune responses against the pig kidney and identifies potential biomarkers as early-warning systems for rejection.
A new study estimates that about 14% of adults worldwide have chronic kidney disease, with 1.5 million deaths in 2023. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe interventions like dialysis and transplantation.
A long-term study found that machine perfusion of deceased-donor kidneys improved transplant outcomes by preserving kidney function for up to 10 years after transplantation. The method has become the preferred organ preservation technique globally due to its superior results.
A new study in the Journal of Hepatology shows liver transplantation from MAiD donors yields similar survival rates as standard donation after circulatory death. This practice can significantly expand the donor pool, leading to more organs available for transplant and potentially saving thousands of lives.
Researchers aim to determine if biomarkers can identify adults at risk of developing interstitial lung disease (ILD), a chronic condition that causes inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue. The approach could lead to the development of new, better treatments with more tolerable side effects.
A pioneering case of pig-to-human liver xenotransplantation has been successfully demonstrated, with the genetically engineered porcine liver functioning for an extended period in a human recipient. The patient survived for 171 days despite complications such as xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy.
A national registry has tracked nearly 4,000 patients with biliary atresia since 1989, showing that combined surgery and liver transplantation can extend survival well into adulthood. The study highlights the transformative power of nationwide data collection in reshaping treatment strategies.
Researchers at UBC have successfully transplanted an enzyme-converted kidney into a brain-dead recipient, showing promise for universal donor organs in transplantation. The breakthrough uses special enzymes to remove blood-type antigens, making it possible to use mismatched organs from deceased donors.
Heiko Yang, MD, PhD, has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further research on his discovery of an earthworm-derived hemoglobin-like oxygen carrier. This substance has the potential to revolutionize organ perfusion by providing a shelf-stable alternative to donor blood.
UCLA researchers have identified two key proteins, HuR and CEACAM1, that act as protective switches to prevent damage in damaged livers. By boosting this protection, organs deemed unsuitable for transplantation could be made suitable for use.
The study found a significant reduction in mortality while waiting for a new heart, despite increased waiting times. Technological advances and improved healthcare practices are credited with the improvements.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina engineered a new type of immune cell that can precisely target and neutralize antibody-producing cells complicit in organ rejection. This strategy could level the playing field for patients with limited eligibility for organs due to high rejection rates.
A novel 3D culture method enables self-organization of precursor cell types into functional liver organoids capable of producing essential clotting factors. The breakthrough advances organoid-based therapies, drug testing, and disease modeling for liver diseases, including hemophilia A.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a method to coat Hepatic Progenitor Cells (HPCs) with natural sugars, making them stickier and increasing their ability to repair liver tissues. The coating does not harm the cells or stop them from working properly.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine examines pregnancy outcomes in women with kidney transplants who use assisted reproductive technology. The research found increased rates of hypertension and preterm birth, but no significant difference in live birth rates or two-year kidney transplant survival.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed pioneering therapies to prevent organ rejection without the need for immunosuppression. A recent phase 3 clinical trial found that 75% of participants were able to stop taking immunosuppressive medications for more than two years, with some patients staying off medication for over three years.
Scientists from Pusan National University discovered a genetic biomarker, FCGBP, that is strongly linked to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and poor outcomes following lung transplantation. The finding may help identify high-risk patients and devise timely immunosuppressive treatments.
A national survey of 1,000 American adults found that stress (43%) and lack of sleep (39%) are major contributors to a short attention span. The study also identified digital devices as a significant factor, with 35% of respondents citing it as a contributing factor.
A new study reveals persistent inequalities in children's access to life-saving kidney transplants across the UK. Early disparities in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender persist even after being placed on the waitlist.
A pioneering study has provided unprecedented insights into the immune response following pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Researchers mapped how human immune cells interact with pig kidney tissue, revealing critical early markers of rejection and potential intervention strategies.
A team of international scientists successfully 3D printed functional human islets using a novel bioink, paving the way for more effective and less invasive treatment options. The bioprinted constructs maintained their structure without clumping or breaking down and showed promising results in laboratory tests.
The Mayo Clinic in Arizona has launched a new lung transplant program, providing patients with end-stage lung disease a second chance at life. The program offers world-class care to critically ill patients battling respiratory diseases such as COPD, and is supported by clinical innovation from across Mayo Clinic.
Surgeons at Mount Sinai performed the world's first heart-liver-kidney triple organ transplants in New York State, with two patients making full recoveries after the surgeries. The procedures were led by Anelechi Anyanwu and Sander S. Florman and represent a significant milestone in complex organ transplantation.
Researchers identified a biological process causing donor heart damage during cold storage and found that a drug can prevent this damage. Treatment with the drug nearly tripled pumping strength in human donor hearts, improving blood flow and reducing cell injury.
A new molecular process discovered by researchers contributes to the failure of donor hearts after transplant, but a therapy using medication for high blood pressure has been found to reduce damage. The treatment significantly improves the function of donor hearts and increases their distance in cold storage.
Surgeons from USC and UCLA have successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant, offering a new treatment option for patients with terminal bladders. The procedure, which combined kidney and bladder transplants, showed promising results in improving the patient's condition and eliminating the need for dialysis.
Surgeons from UCLA Health and Keck Medicine of USC successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant. The patient, who had lost most of his bladder due to a tumor removal, received a new kidney and bladder through the pioneering technique developed by Drs. Nima Nassiri and Inderbir Gill.
The Ochsner Transplant Institute's kidney program has achieved ELITE Status through exceptional performance and superior results. The program demonstrates high-quality care and outstanding patient outcomes, earning recognition from INTERLINK COE Networks & Programs.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hepatology has shown that simultaneous bariatric surgery and liver transplant is safe and improves long-term health outcomes for severely obese patients. The combined approach resulted in sustained weight loss, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and lower risk of fatty liver disease recurrence.
Researchers at ISHLT marked the 10-year anniversary of modern DCD heart donation, significantly increasing transplant volumes worldwide. Comparable outcomes have been achieved with DCD hearts compared to traditional DBD hearts, leading to a surge in DCD programs globally.
Pediatric hearts fail due to acquired and genetic disorders or congenital heart disease, requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. However, adult devices are often used off-label in pediatric patients, deterring innovation and limiting access to life-saving technology.
A new 'concierge' approach called the Kidney Transplant Fast Track enables more people to receive transplants and erases racial disparities. This streamlined process coordinates testing onsite and often performed by the transplant center, increasing patient suitability and reducing wait times.
Current methods like static cold storage and machine perfusion have limitations, with only 10% of global demand met. Researchers explore vitrification cryopreservation as a promising alternative to address toxicity issues and improve transplant survival rates.
The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant program performed a record-breaking 99 lung transplants in 2024, with two combined organ transplants. The program leads the nation in innovation in organ preservation and regeneration, and has the busiest program in the Southeast.
A new study shows that anti-obesity drugs, including GLP-1 agonists, are safe and effective in treating type 2 diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. The medications were found to reduce the risk of organ failure and death, but also increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers developed reprogrammed vascular endothelial cells that provide strong support for islets, allowing them to survive and reverse diabetes long-term. The study showed that mice transplanted with islet cells plus R-VECs regained normal blood glucose control after 20 weeks.
A study found that two liver graft preservation methods differ in their effect on gut microbiota composition and function following liver transplantation. The NMP cohort showed enrichment of beneficial gut taxa, while the static cold storage cohort depleted such taxa. Notable differences were observed between the two preservation methods.
Researchers have identified a key protein called Apex1 as a potential therapeutic target for stopping the immune system from attacking itself. By inhibiting this protein, harmful T cells that cause autoimmune diseases and allergies can be eliminated.
The Vanderbilt Transplant Center achieved a world record by performing 174 adult and pediatric heart transplants in 2024. The team's success was attributed to their multidisciplinary approach, innovative practices, and ability to accept high-risk patients from other centers.
Researchers have found that loosening the grip of engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs improves their function and effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases. By adjusting the affinity of the CAR, the study shows that Tregs can suppress immune responses while reducing pro-inflammatory consequences.
Researchers aim to advance eye transplantation through cutting-edge technologies and techniques, including cell-based therapies and device development. The six-year project, led by Kia Washington at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, seeks to overcome current limitations in whole-eye transplant success rates.
A new blood test reveals heart transplant patients at risk of rejection by analyzing DNA fragments in their blood. This non-invasive test is comparable to existing US tests and could save millions in public healthcare costs.
Scientists at UCSF have developed engineered T cells that act as immune referees to soothe overreacting immune responses and mope up inflammatory molecules. These cells could improve treatment for organ transplants, type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions by reducing the need for harsh immunosuppressant drugs.
The Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model aims to improve access to life-saving kidney transplants for patients with end-stage kidney disease while maintaining or improving the quality of care. The new rule will test performance-based upside or downside risk payments among selected kidney transplant hospitals.
The surgical team led by Stephanie H. Chang performed the groundbreaking procedure using da Vinci Xi robotic system at NYU Langone Transplant Institute. The successful transplant marks a significant milestone in lung transplantation surgery, offering hope to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like Cheryl Mehrkar.
The Ochsner Transplant Institute collaborated with 25 US centers to conduct the first HIV-to-HIV kidney transplant study, showing comparable results between patients with and without HIV. The study's findings support the safe and effective use of HIV-positive donor organs in transplants.
Emerging technology allows long-term storage of human organs, addressing severe time constraints that limit organ viability. New governance and legal rules are needed to guide this application, including oversight from the FDA and ethics guidance on organ storage.
Researchers identified new signs of kidney transplant rejection, including microvascular inflammation, which predict increased risk of transplant failure. The study found that patients with these conditions are at higher risk of developing severe rejection or chronic kidney damage over time.