Humans would soon be able to grow new LIVERS in their own bodies by injecting healthy cells into their lymph nodes, scientists claim after a successful experiment at barges
- Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh gave six barges serious liver problems
- They also took liver cells from the animal and implanted them in lymph nodes
- Found these cells grew into complex tissue and acted as a second liver
- Animals remained healthy, despite their primary liver failure, as their caregiver took over
Scientists have grown a liver in the lymph nodes of a pig and hope that humans could possibly grow their own replacement organs in the future.
Livers have the ability to regenerate naturally, and a sliver of the filter organ – like a transplant – can grow to full size and function fully.
It is thought that the lymph nodes provide a sanctuary for healthy liver cells, allowing them to gradually multiply and flourish in a ‘helper verb’.
Trials at barges show that when the main organ was plagued with disease and began to fail, the animal remained healthy because it had taken over a helpful organ.
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Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh reported six liver losses from barges by blocking blood supply and removing a piece of tissue. They also took hepatocytes – the main functional cells of the liver – and implanted them in the animals’ lymph nodes. Pictured, graphically showing how the cells were taken from the liver and then implanted in the lymph nodes
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh reported six liver losses from barges by blocking blood supply and removing a piece of tissue.
They also took hepatocytes – the main functional cells of the liver – from the animals and implanted them in their lymph nodes.
‘It’s all about location, location, location,’ said former author Dr Eric Lagasse.
‘If hepatocytes are in the right place and need liver function, they will form an ectopic liver in the lymph node. ‘
Normally, the liver can regenerate and repair itself, but significant damage can overwhelm this protective mechanism.
Previously, a smaller version of the experiment was also successful in mice, but it took a decade to sell it to a larger animal to see if it offered hope to humans. More recent research proved that healthy liver tissue can grow in the lymph nodes of barges with a genetic liver defect (stock)
Reviews of the barges show that they remained healthy despite their main liver becoming increasingly inferior.
Despite this, the barges themselves showed improved liver function, as the secondary organ assumed most of the responsibilities.
Analysis of the lymph nodes revealed that the implant hepatocytes had grown and also formed a network of bile ducts and vasculature.
Auxiliary liver grew larger when the damaged tissue in the animals’ natural liver was heavier but never grew out of control.
The researchers believe that the animals’ bodies maintain a constant liver mass, and keep the cell growth in check to prevent running growth.
Previously, a smaller version of the experiment was also successful in mice, but it took a decade to scale it up to a larger animal to see if it offered hope to humans.
More recent research proved that healthy liver tissue can grow in the lymph nodes of barges with a genetic liver defect.
With the latest findings so promising, academics hope it could provide potential avenues for human medicine to treat liver damage from any cause, from hepatitis to alcoholism.
The findings are available in the journal Liver Transplantation.
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