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Cell softness predicts corneal transplant success

A study found that corneal cells' softness indicates their potential for stem-like activity, enabling rapid and cost-effective enrichment of limbal stem cells. This biomarker could improve clinical success rates for corneal transplant patients with naturally low limbal stem cell percentages.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 18, 2016

Zika infects the eyes of adult mice

Researchers found that Zika virus can infect specific regions of the eye in adult mice, resulting in inflammation and symptoms similar to those observed in human patients. The study also raised questions about whether the virus continues to replicate in the lacrimal gland after being cleared from the body.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 6, 2016

Heavy drinking endangers the health of liver transplants

New research reveals that heavy drinking after liver transplantation can cause significant damage to newly transplanted livers, leading to severe health issues. Early alcohol assessments and multidisciplinary interventions are crucial to prevent relapse and ensure patient success.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateApr 7, 2016

Growing skin in the lab

Researchers successfully grew skin tissue with hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the laboratory using reprogrammed iPS cells. The tissues formed normal connections with surrounding nerves and muscle fibers, paving the way for potential functional skin transplants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Protein that repels immune cells protects transplanted pancreatic islets from rejection

A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a method to protect insulin-producing islets from the immune system, enabling long-term blood sugar control without immunosuppression. The approach involves coating or encapsulating islets with CXCL12, a protein that repels immune cells and attracts regulatory T cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 18, 2015

New machine-perfusion organ preservation system keeps livers healthier for transplant

A new preservation system that uses machine perfusion keeps livers healthier for up to nine hours before transplantation, leading to better liver function and increased survival rates. The system has shown promising results in animal studies, with 100% of pigs surviving after receiving perfused livers.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 22, 2015

A close look at blinking after facial transplantation

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reveals that careful surgical planning and technique are essential for restoring blinking function after facial transplantation. The research highlights the importance of monitoring restoration of reflex blinking to protect long-term visual outcomes.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 29, 2014

Unexpected use of former cancer drug

Researchers at Lund University have found that Zebularine, an old cancer drug, can prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. The treatment also showed promise in curing type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system's reaction to healthy tissue.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2013

Protein-based urine test predicts kidney transplant outcomes

Researchers developed a noninvasive protein-based urine test that accurately monitors kidney transplant risk and detects rejection before clinical signs appear. The study found low levels of CXCL9 protein can rule out rejection as a cause of kidney injury, offering a promising diagnostic tool for managing transplant patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateAug 22, 2013

A heart of gold

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed gold nanofibers that can mimic the heart's coordinated electrical system, increasing the viability of transplanted cardiac tissues. This innovation could lead to new treatment options for patients with damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJul 17, 2013

Life span of ovarian grafts longer than expected

A new study shows that ovarian grafts can maintain hormonal function for more than seven years in some women, providing a long-term solution for fertility preservation. This breakthrough could benefit young cancer survivors with premature ovarian failure, enabling them to retain reproductive health for an extended period.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·DateJun 28, 2012

Japanese scientists show 'new' liver generation using hepatocyte cell transplantation

Researchers in Japan have successfully generated a new liver system using hepatocyte cell transplantation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of propagating mouse hepatocytes by creating a vascularized platform and uniform hepatocyte sheets, leading to the functionality of the engineered liver system.

Scientists turn patients' skin cells into heart muscle cells to repair their damaged hearts

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed skin cells from elderly heart failure patients into healthy, beating heart muscle cells that can integrate with existing heart tissue. The study uses human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to repair damaged hearts, offering a potential new treatment option for heart failure patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 22, 2012