Genetically Engineered Organs Implanted in Patients

Just recently scientists report the first human recipients of laboratory-grown vaginal organs. Doctor Anthony Atala led a research team that successfully implanted the organs in four teenage girls. The organs were engineered using muscle and epithelial cells from a small biopsy of each patients external genitals. The cells were extracted from the tissues, expanded and then placed on a biodegradable material that was hand-sewn into a vagina-like shape. These scaffolds were tailor-made to fit each patient.

The girls that received the organs were between 13 and 18 years old at the time of their surgeries and now up to 8 years later the organs continue to function normally after analysis in annual follow-ups. These visits consisted of tissue biopsies, mri scans, and internal exams which used magnification which all showed that the lab-grown vaginas were similar in makeup and function to native tissue. A Female Sexual Function Index quiestionnare also showed that the patients had normal sexual function after treatment, including desire and pain-free intercourse.

I think this is an incredible breakthrough because it a new option for patients who require vaginal reconstructive surgeries. It is also a great example of how regenerative medicine can be applied to a variety of human tissues and organs. Atala also led a team that replaced the bladders in 9 children with ones that were genetically engineered. This was the first time laboratory-grown organs were ever implanted in humans. Knowing that this procedure may be able to replace many different dysfunctional or diseased organs is very hopeful.  The success of this procedure can lead to great things in the future of the regenerative medicine.

Article Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140410194326.htm

Relative Article: http://www.ted.com/talks/anthony_atala_growing_organs_engineering_tissue