Pig-to-Human Transplants Could Be Closer Than You Think

PopSci ^ | 10.21.2011 at 3:10 pm | Dan Nosowitz

[fight_truth_decay]

Two scientists at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh discussed the state of xenotransplantation--the use of cells, organs, or tissue from one animal in another--in a review in The Lancet. In that review, they touch on the history of one particular subject: pig-to-human transplants. Their conclusion? Clinical trials of pig-to-human transplants could begin in just a few years.

Pigs that are genetically modified with genes to protect their organs and other inside bits from attack by the human immune system are capable of all kinds of potentially life-saving effects. Research has been conducted until now with non-human primates, and while these primates have not been able to survive for all that long with pig organs--at best, a pig heart-implanted primate survives for around eight months--that could be enough time to serve as temporary lifesavers. Cells and tissue could be used to counteract human diseases like diabetes (as in this example) and Parkinson's, and have actually shown more success than complete organs.

The paper concludes by saying:

[fight_truth_decay]

The researchers have already managed to produce pigs
that were able to generate human blood by injecting blood stem
cells from humans into pig foetuses Photo: ALAMY

The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration in Pittsburgh wrote, "There is currently renewed interest in the possibility of using corneas from other species, especially pigs, for transplantation into humans.Current evidence indicates that the anatomical and biomechanical properties of human and pig corneas are similar. Since the cornea is an immune-privileged tissue, the human immune response to corneal cells may be less pronounced than to other cells.

[gaijin]

Have fun muzzies...!!! Oink! Oink..! ^_^

[dragonblustar]

Good news for Muslims.

[Avery Iota Kracker]

Probably is. They get human transplants, YOU (we) get stuck with the pig ones.

[Osamabindead]

good news for muslims with esophageal cancer. The lower intestinal tract of a swine matches up perfectly with a human esophagus. Bon Apetit!

[Vigilanteman]

This is nothing considering that back in 2008, they successfully grafted a horse's ass to a man and elected it POTUS.

[bunkerhill7]

Human-to-Pig Transplants Could Be Closer Than You Think-

Lipstick on a Pig?

[Iron Munro]

The Pig-Human barrier was breached some time ago.

[gaijin]

If we get the pig ones, then in fact we’ll come out ahead: tissue rejection arises owing to cell-surface epitopes (like keyholes to a key) which say, “Hi I’m a NON SELF cell” —that signal triggers attack by the imune system; it tries to repel the invader.

But the pigs we’re talking about will be engineered to lack those epitopes on the organ in question —if you get that pig organ your immune system will be FAR less likely to reject it in the way it might from a human, which *would* present those non-self epitopes (for that reason organ rejection drugs are required for life).

Already pig organs are close to human organs, and very soon they will be indistinguishable.

Also the pigs we’re talking about will be specifically raised to donate, and so their diets are likely to be considerably cleaner than ordinary pigs, and even perhaps most humans today.

In 15 years any culture that has a problem with pigs is going to be in serious trouble —it’s inevitable.

[5thGenTexan]

If I get one, Maybe I will get that fact tattoed on me somewhere easy to see. I will fly safer I bet.

[4buttons]

You bet- I mean, look at Hilary Clinton.

[TherealMr.B]

the pigs we’re talking about will be specifically raised to donate

And then.......

BOB-AU-QUE!!

[MHGinTN]

Placemarker to read in the morning

[fight_truth_decay]

Even Disney knew back then with Porky, a stuttering pig.

Quote: "He has a trademark stutter that gets more pronounced as he gets agitated, which is guaranteed in any of his cartoon. Pending a medical examination, Porky would be a good candidate for a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Those stricken with Parkinson’s tend to hold their stance as slightly bent at the knees and spine, with arms often akimbo. His rapid, barely intelligible speech and bent posture are known indicators of this disease."- Medical Afflictions of the Cartoon Characters – Explained

I had to laugh at Yosemite Sam – Senile Agitation on that site!! LOL

[doorgunner69]

In 15 years any culture that has a problem with pigs is going to be in serious trouble —it’s inevitable.

Looks grim for the usual muzzie countries, as well as Israel and much of NYC.

Now, as long as bacon still goes down nice, I would not care so much............

[ElectronVolt]

:)

Here's one more for you:

[doorgunner69]

I love the poster of that pic I saw.

Caption read:
Bestiality or homosexuality, you make the call...........

[Avery Iota Kracker]

Good stuff to know. Thanks for the info.

I’ll have an order of head cheese and a side of pig’s feet— size 11 if you got ‘em.

[doorgunner69]

Interesting that the diagnosis of Sylvester”s lisping is that it is a mental disorder. Also closely associated with homos, who fought viciously in the 70’s to redefine themselves as not disordered. You make the call............

[Soothesayer9]

Guess this wont go over too well with Muslims and Jews, eh?