About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Hope for Patients Waiting for Transplants Thanks to Breakthrough in Organ Scarring

by Kathy Jones on November 11, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Font : A-A+

 Hope for Patients Waiting for Transplants Thanks to Breakthrough in Organ Scarring

A new study has claimed that patients who have damaged organs could be helped by new treatments after researchers found how tissues scar.

According to researchers, the finding could pave the way for new drugs and eventually reduce the number of patients on organ transplant waiting lists.

Advertisement

Fibrotic diseases occur in many tissues within the body - including the liver, lung or kidneys - and have a range of causes including viruses or toxins.

Experts say that the main source of scar tissue is found in specialised cells called Myofibroblasts.

The study discovered that a molecule on these cells is a key regulator of fibrotic disease.
Advertisement

Scientists said that the molecule - called alpha v integrin - is a critical switch involved in turning on the myofibroblast cells to make scar tissue.

The team studied specially bred mice with fibrosis to see if removing the alpha v integrin molecule on myofibroblasts will reduce the amount of scar tissue in their organs.

Researchers found that when they removed alpha v integrin from these cells, the mice were protected from fibrosis of the liver, lung and kidneys.

They also found that when they treated the mice with a new experimental drug designed to block alpha v integrins, the animals were protected from liver and lung fibrosis.

Source: ANI
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Organ Donation News

From 'Zombie' to Life-Saver: New Test Brings Hope to Heart Transplant Patients
'Zombie' cell test could revive heart by reforming transplant criteria.
 COVID-19 Positive Donor Hearts Lower Survival in Transplant Patients
An analysis of data from donors suggests donor hearts from patients who were COVID-19 positive could place transplant patients at increased risk of mortality.
 Clinical Trial Suggests Paradigm Shift for Lung Transplantation
Patients subjected to delayed transplantation using 10°C static lung preservation had a better outcome compared to patients transplanted performed using standard methods.
New Method to Treat Chronic Transplant Rejection Discovered
Researchers are hoping to test the antibody IL-15 in organ transplant patients to reduce chronic organ rejection.
 Identifying Patients Who Need Liver Transplants Faster
Research may speed the identification of patients who need liver transplants by analyzing blood samples to look for biomarkers associated with liver failure.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Hope for Patients Waiting for Transplants Thanks to Breakthrough in Organ Scarring Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests