Context:
Recently, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant passed away after hisgroundbreaking xenotransplantation surgery. His death was not linked to the transplant.
Relevance:
GS III- Science and Technology, GS II- Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is xenotransplantation?
- Why are Pigs Often Used for Xenotransplantation?
What is Xenotransplantation?
- According to the FDA, xenotransplantation is “any procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation or infusion into a human recipient of either
- live cells, tissues, or organs from a nonhuman animal source, or
- human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have had ex vivo contact with live nonhuman animal cells, tissues or organs”.
- Xenotransplantation is seen as an alternative to the clinical transplantation of human organs whose demand around the world exceeds supply by a long distance.
- Xenotransplantation involving the heart was first tried in humans in the 1980s.
- A well known case was that of an American baby, Stephanie Fae Beauclair, better known as Baby Fae, who was born with a congenital heart defect, and who received a baboon heart in 1984.
- The surgery was successful, but Baby Fae died within a month of the transplant after the baboon heart was rejected by her body’s immune system.
- Even so, Baby Fae managed to survive the xenotransplantation for much longer than in earlier experiments.
Why are Pigs Often Used for Xenotransplantation?
Historical Utilization:
- Pig heart valves have been employed in human surgeries for over half a century, showcasing the historical use of pigs in medical procedures.
Anatomical and Physiological Resemblance:
- Pigs exhibit anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, making them suitable candidates for xenotransplantation.
- These resemblances facilitate compatibility and reduce the risk of rejection in human recipients.
Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility:
- The widespread farming of pigs renders them a cost-effective and readily available source for xenotransplantation.
- Compared to other potential donor species, pigs offer a practical and accessible solution for organ transplantation needs.
Organ Size Variability:
- Various pig breeds present a diverse range of organ sizes, enabling the selection of organs that closely match the specific requirements of human recipients.
- This variability allows for customized organ matching, enhancing the success rates of xenotransplantation procedures.
-Source: The Hindu
