Lab-produced blood transplanted into humans for the first time
2Lab-produced blood transplanted into humans for the first time
Scientists in England conducted a revolutionary study for blood diseases. Researchers produced red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body in the laboratory and transplanted them into two volunteers. While it was stated that the blood grown from stem cells lasted for a long time and had high performance, it was noted that it would provide a great advantage especially for thalassimia and sickle cell disease.
Lab-grown red blood cells were transplanted into volunteers in the world's first clinical trial that could help revolutionize treatments for sickle cell disease and thalassemia patients. The blood cells produced were grown from stem cells from donors.
Professor at the University of Bristol. Dr. Ashley Toye said, “This challenging and exciting trial marks a major milestone for generating blood from stem cells. He performed the first blood transfusion produced from stem cells. "We're excited to see how well the cells are performing at the end of the clinical trial."
SOME BLOOD GROUPS ARE EXTREMELY RARE
Toye also explained that there are blood types "only seen in 10 people" in the society, and said that for example, there are only a few units of the blood group called "Mumbai" in England.
NO NEGATIVE EFFECT
So far, two healthy volunteers have been transplanted with lab-grown red cells as part of the Restore trial, jointly run by the British Institutes of Health (NHS) Blood and Transplant Unit and the University of Bristol. The researchers explained that no adverse effects have been observed in the transplanted volunteers so far.
The scientists said there are two potential near-term advantages to using lab-grown blood. First, the approach could address the donor shortage for people with rare blood types that require regular transplants, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia patients. Second, lab-grown blood is expected to outperform standard donor blood.
The researchers reported that red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days, and a normal blood donation includes cells of different ages. In contrast, lab-grown blood cells are all fresh and therefore perform better and last longer.
Principal investigator Prof. Dr. "We hope that the red blood cells grown in our lab will outlast those from blood donors. If our first trial in this area is successful in the world, it will mean that patients who currently need regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in the future and their treatment will be improved," said Cedric Ghevaert. "
On the other hand, people with blood disorders such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease are addicted to regular blood transfusions or red cell replacement. Some people get up to 12 units of blood transfusions every four to six weeks.
HOW IS BLOOD PRODUCED IN THE LABORATORY?
The blood produced in the laboratory is produced from adult stem cells taken from donor blood. The stem cells are placed in a nutrient solution for 18-21 days, which stimulates the cells to multiply and develop into more mature cells. About 24 liters of nutrient solution are needed to produce one to two tablespoons of red blood cells.
On the other hand, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service director Prof. Dr. Marc Turner described it as a "really important step along the way" towards the ambition of producing blood in the lab for wider clinical use. "In the long run, this is a reasonable vision," he said, adding that blood donors will continue to be essential for the foreseeable future.