Russia Approves First Animal-to-Human Transplant Procedure (here we go..)

Russian authorities have approved the first xenotransplantation treatment – the implanting of animal cells into the human body – for sale in that country, marking the first time such a treatment has been appoved anywhere. The type 1 diabetes treatment involves inserting insulin-producing pig cells coated in seaweed into the human pancreas to replace native cells that have been depleted there.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed. As such, people suffering from the condition must inject insulin into their bloodstreams to regulate their glucose levels, but doing so can cause swings in blood sugar that can lead to other complications. The Russian treatment replaces the missing cells with pig cells that produce insulin inside the body, reducing the need for injections. The seaweed coating keeps the bodies immune system from attacking the foreign animal cells.

Though approved in Russia, the treatment was developed by Living Cell Technologies in New Zealand. In Russian trials, the treatment fared fairly well, exhibiting improvement in six of eight diabetes patients who were then able to reduce their daily insulin injections. Two of them were able to cease injections entirely.
Source: www.popsci.com...

Well, shall we discuss religion or scientic aspects of this. Or rather maybe Ethics?

I can say, God did give us the ability to take care of ourselves so... There is the religious part for me. Good enough.

Ethically? I don't know. I guess as long as the patient isn't complaining, and lives etc. Guess the ethics arguement weighs little.

I don't know. I sure hope it isn't me that needs the procedure(s).

A very interesting comment at the bottom of the article. I think it is the first one. Brings up some excellent concerns.

This has been going on for a while with heart valve transplants from pigs. They last longer than the mechanical valves but can produce problems with the immune system.

Originally posted by kwakakev
This has been going on for a while with heart valve transplants from pigs. They last longer than the mechanical valves but can produce problems with the immune system.

Dear Kwakakev,
My father actually went through that exact procedure last year. He's got a porky valve! Works fine and he's a changed man.

Re the OP: I'm all for it, what's wrong with a little scientific advancement?

Regards,
T

reply to post by torqpoc


Well, I would will have to agree with you. I just hope I don't have to go through it.

I guess the Muslin community will be out of the running. And, I am not trying to be rude. I am guessing, with my limited knowledge of the Muslin faith, that if any pig blood/parts would be involved they would not be able to partake-due to religion.

Originally posted by anon72
reply to post by torqpoc

 

Well, I would will have to agree with you. I just hope I don't have to go through it.

I guess the Muslin community will be out of the running. And, I am not trying to be rude. I am guessing, with my limited knowledge of the Muslin faith, that if any pig blood/parts would be involved they would not be able to partake-due to religion.

keep observation, if this new medical technology is the only viable option for long term health. Being products of swine would put a huge hamper/limit on the muslim societies.

Sad, never understood that concept, but I am not muslim so never was given full explanation as to why they choose this one animal to be off limits in every way.