Researchers successfully growing Human lung

In a groundbreaking achievement, a team of researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, USA, led by Joaquin Cortiella and Joan Nichols, has successfully cultivated human lungs in a laboratory setting. This milestone marks a significant leap in the field of organ regeneration, bringing us one step closer to addressing the critical shortage of organs for transplantation.

Human lung. (Picture from: GlobalVilleNews)

The endeavor to grow organs in a lab has been fueled by advancements in understanding stem cells and their transformative journey into various cells constituting organs and body parts. In this particular undertaking, the focus was directed towards the intricate human lung, a complex organ vital for respiratory functions.

Nichols simplifies the procedure, revealing that the lungs of two deceased teenagers were utilized. The initial step involved stripping away all cells from the lungs, leaving behind the structural framework composed of elastin and collagen. Subsequently, healthy cells extracted from both lungs were carefully placed onto this framework. The prospective lung, now coated with cells, underwent a four-week incubation period in a tube filled with a nutrient-rich solution.

Image A is before new cells were reseeded. The finished product is image B. (Picture from: MedicalNewsToday)

During this incubation period, new cells flourished on the lung structure, giving rise to the formation of entirely new lungs. To validate the success of their technique, the research team replicated these steps with the second lung, yielding similar promising results.

While the researchers are not yet certain about the functionality of the newly grown lungs when transplanted into a human body, they express confidence in being on the right path. Their ultimate goal is to produce lab-grown lungs capable of replacing damaged ones in patients, potentially saving thousands of lives annually, as the demand for lung transplants far exceeds the available supply.

In an optimistic report, Nichols highlights the transformation of a concept once relegated to science fiction into a tangible reality. However, he acknowledges that there is still much work ahead. She estimates that the transplantation of lab-grown lungs into human bodies may take at least another dozen years to materialize.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to replicate the same process on pig lungs and implement it in live pigs to assess the viability of this groundbreaking method. This step aims to further validate the applicability of their technique, bringing us closer to a future where lab-grown organs become a standard solution for organ transplantation challenges. The potential impact on medical science and the lives of those in need is profound, offering hope for a future where organ shortages are no longer a hindrance to life-saving treatments. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MEDICALNEWSTODAY | HEALTHY LIFE ]
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