Xenotransplantation
Important for IAS~IFoS Prelims Exam 2022, CDS Exam and AC(CAPF) Exam
đ According to the FDA, xenotransplantation is âany procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation or infusion into a human recipient of either (a) live cells, tissues, or organs from a nonhuman animal source, or (b) human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have had ex vivo contact with live nonhuman animal cells, tissues or organsâ.
đ Xenotransplantation is seen as an alternative to the clinical transplantation of human organs whose demand around the world exceeds supply by a long distance.
đ 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.
đ The surgery was successful, but Baby Fae died within a month of the transplant after the baboon heart was rejected by her bodyâs immune system.
đ Xenotransplantation, if found compatible in the long run, could help provide an alternative supply of organs to those with life-threatening diseases.Â
đ The pigâs heart transplanted into Bennett did well initially, and he showed no signs of rejection for several weeks. Bennett spent time with his family, did physical therapy and watched the Super Bowl, The New York Times reported, quoting hospital officials.
đ Pig heart valves have been used for replacing damaged valves in humans for over 50 years now
đ The donor pig had been put through 10 genetic modifications intended to âdeactivateâ or knock out four pig genes, and add six human genes.
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