There is a saying “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”This proverb is first found in English in Alexander Barclay’s Eclogues. Barclay (1475? – 1552) was a Scottish clergyman and poet who is believed to have been the first to write pastoral eclogues in English. In this use, it means you can’t make something good out of something bad. However, research into the use of pig’s parts in humans has been anything but unsuccessful.
In the far distant past, while a junior in electrical engineering at Purdue University, I was part of a research team exploring the electrical synopsis of swine, aka, pigs. We would put the pigs to sleep, go into their spinal cord, and attempt to ascertain what electrical signals resulted in various stimuli applied to the pig. It was interesting stuff and I got paid well for having fun learning more about lab procedures and working across the aisle with veterinarians.
Ed Cara stated in the 8/31/2023 Gizmodo “Surgeons at New York University have reportedly reached another milestone in making pig-to-human organ transplants a reality. They now claim to have transplanted a genetically engineered pig kidney that has survived inside a human body for six weeks and counting—the longest period yet. It’s likely that larger clinical trials will be in the near future.” You may read the entire article at this link:
Given my background and interests especially in research leading to better outcomes for kidney failure treatment, I next turned to my Poe AI to ascertain more about the historical background of pig parts. The following for your historic edification is from Poe:
Introduction:
Throughout history, humans have sought innovative solutions to overcome various health challenges. One such solution that has captured the imagination of medical professionals and researchers alike is the use of pig parts to repair human ailments. The idea of xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another, has been a topic of interest for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history of using pig parts in medicine and delve into the current status of this practice.
Ancient Origins:
The concept of xenotransplantation can be traced back to ancient civilizations where it was believed that the properties of an animal could be transferred to a human recipient. In ancient India, for example, the Sushruta Samhita, a Sanskrit text dating back to the 6th century BCE, described the use of animal bladders to repair damaged human bladders.
Advancements in Transplantation:
Fast forward to the 20th century, when significant advancements in transplantation techniques and immunosuppressive therapies paved the way for the exploration of xenotransplantation. Pigs emerged as the most promising candidates due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, making their organs and tissues compatible for transplantation.
Pig Heart Valve Transplants:
One of the earliest and most successful applications of pig parts in human medicine has been the transplantation of pig heart valves. The first pig-to-human heart valve transplant took place in 1962, and since then, millions of patients have benefited from this procedure. Pig heart valves are used to replace damaged or diseased human valves, providing a lifeline for those suffering from heart conditions. ( I do believe my sister-in-law has benefitted from such valve replacement.)
Insulin Production:
Another significant breakthrough came in the field of diabetes treatment. Before the advent of synthetic human insulin, pig insulin was widely used to manage diabetes. Pigs possess a similar insulin structure to humans, making their insulin compatible for therapeutic use. Although synthetic insulin has largely replaced pig insulin today, the early use of pig insulin revolutionized diabetes care and saved countless lives.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations:
While the use of pig parts in human medicine has demonstrated immense potential, it is not without challenges. One of the primary concerns is the risk of transmitting infectious diseases from pigs to humans. Pigs harbor retroviruses, such as porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), which could potentially infect human recipients. Extensive research is being conducted to develop strategies to eliminate PERVs and ensure the safety of xenotransplantation.
The Future of Xenotransplantation:
Despite the hurdles, recent scientific advancements have reignited interest in xenotransplantation. Researchers are exploring genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to modify pig genes and eliminate the risk of viral transmission. This breakthrough could potentially open doors to more widespread use of pig organs in human transplantation, addressing the critical shortage of human donor organs. This is the thrust of the linked article at the lead.
Conclusion:
The use of pig parts to repair human ills has a rich and storied history. From ancient civilizations to the cutting-edge research of today, this field has shown remarkable promise in improving human health outcomes. While challenges and ethical considerations persist, advancements in genetic engineering offer hope for a future where xenotransplantation becomes a viable and widespread solution to the organ shortage crisis. As science continues to push boundaries, the journey from pigs to people is poised to transform the landscape of modern medicine, ushering in a new era of hope and healing.
End Poe
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