The utilization of ferret livers, comparable in size to walnuts, has enabled scientists to cultivate miniature human livers.
This advancement from US scientists opens the possibility for developing livers that could be transplanted into patients.
In their approach, the US team employed portions of the ferret livers as a “scaffold” for growing human liver cells, following the removal of the animal’s own cells.
The subsequent phase involves testing whether the organ retains functionality after being implanted in an animal.
In the near future, this technology might be implemented in hospitals, allowing patients to provide stem cells for the generation of replacement livers.
Liver disease continues to be the only cause of death that sees an annual increase.
Alcohol cirrhosis serves as the primary reason necessitating liver transplants, and it is crucial to note that individuals with liver issues related to alcohol should ideally never receive a transplant.
Another contributing factor for transplants is damage inflicted by hepatitis C.
by Susan Floyd
