Novel Organ Preservation Approaches Enhance Hepatocyte Survival for Liver Transplantation

Overview

Liver transplantation is the most effective therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. The process of liver transplantation involves the removal of the liver from a brain-dead donor body, storing this organ for transportation, and allowing it to be transplanted into another body, all while preserving the liver without significant damage. Preservation solutions and techniques are crucial for liver organ quality, directly relating to morbidity and survival after transplantation. Currently, static cold storage (SCS) is the standard method for organ preservation. This involves creating hypothermic (cold) conditions by reducing the organ temperature from 37° to 0°Chelping to reduce metabolic demands of the cells by 12-fold and helping preservation. There are many complex physiologic interactions that occur during the process. However, preservation time with SCS is limited as prolonged cold storage increases the risk of early graft dysfunction that contributes to chronic complications. In this study, I developed [1] a newer organ preservation solution followed by transporting the liver in [2] perfluorocarbon (PFC) containing a “two-layer method” to supply oxygen in the solution. I also evaluated [3] oxygen persufflation (OP) and proved that it improved the survival of rat hepatocytes. Wister rat (n=24) livers were procured and subjected to three different experimental protocols. PFC significantly improved hepatocyte viability and adenosine triphosphate levels in comparison with UW cold storage. Albumin production or urea synthesis was significantly higher after oxygen persufflation. I developed a novel organ preservation approach to improve the survival of hepatocytes for liver transplantation.