🚀 In a medical breakthrough straight out of a sci-fi movie, Chinese researchers have successfully transplanted a gene-edited pig kidney into a human body! 😮🐷🧬
On March 25, a team led by Dr. Qin Weijun at Xijing Hospital of the Air Force Medical University in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, performed the groundbreaking surgery. The operation, which lasted just over six hours, saw the pig kidney seamlessly integrated into a brain-dead recipient's body. And guess what? It has been functioning perfectly for nine days! 🎉
\"The transplanted kidney showed excellent perfusion and started producing urine immediately after transplantation,\" said Dr. Qin. \"No hyperacute rejection occurred, which is a fantastic sign!\" 💪
This isn't the first time Chinese scientists have pushed the envelope in xenotransplantation (that's the fancy term for transplanting organs from one species to another 😉). Just last month, they successfully transplanted a gene-edited pig liver into a brain-dead person, and it functioned for ten days!
The operation was greenlit after thorough reviews by academic and ethics committees, and the patient's family gave their thumbs-up, hoping to contribute to medical advancement. 🏥❤️
Dr. Qin emphasized the significance of this achievement: \"With advancements in gene editing and immunology, xenotransplantation could be the key to solving organ shortages. This research is a critical step forward and may offer new hope for patients with end-stage renal disease.\" 🌟
Organ shortages are a global issue, and innovations like this could change the game for thousands waiting for transplants. The future of medicine is here, and it's pretty wild! 🌍✨
Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible journey bridging science and hope. 🙌
Reference(s):
Chinese researchers transplant gene-edited pig kidney into human body
cgtn.com
