Recent research has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery regarding the preservation of donated livers, suggesting that the organs can undergo a form of biological rejuvenation. Following removal from a donor, organs typically face degradation, prompting surgeons to quickly flush them with a preservative solution and ice them for transport. However, an emerging practice is gaining traction—using perfusion machines that nourish the organs and eliminate waste, effectively resembling an in-body environment for up to six hours. This innovative approach not only aids in organ assessment but also appears to enhance their viability post-transplant.
A study conducted by transplant surgeons from Mass General Brigham, including Jesse Poganik, Heidi Yeh, and Alban Longchamp, employed biological aging clocks to analyze donated livers. These tools measure the biological age of the organs based on epigenetic markers—chemical changes on DNA that correlate with aging. Remarkably, the research revealed that livers subjected to machine perfusion exhibited a lower biological age compared to those stored on ice, despite being chronologically older or less healthy. This phenomenon suggests that the perfusion process could reverse aging at a molecular level, significantly improving the organs’ success rates in transplant recipients.
While the findings are promising, further exploration is necessary to understand the full implications for transplant recipients, particularly in organs sourced from older donors. Experts like Nathanael Raschzok from Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin emphasize the need for research into the effects of perfusion on livers from older populations. The potential for developing therapies that mimic the biological improvements seen through perfusion could offer a cost-effective solution for organ preservation. As researchers continue to investigate the molecular changes induced by perfusion, they hope to establish reliable methods for assessing organ viability, paving the way for enhanced transplantation outcomes.
Source: Donated livers can be made biologically younger via MIT Technology Review