Recycled hearts and menstrual blood

Thousands of people die each year waiting for organ transplants. Scientists continue to research on how to improve traditional allogeneic transplants and reduce the risk of rejection. At the same time, other possiblities are also being explored, with research into xenogeneic transplants and semi-synthetic / mechanical organs.

Recently, two experiments have garnered media attention. This article reports on stromal stem cells harvested from menstrual blood, which can differentiate into cardiac myocytes. These cells could potentially be used to repair hearts damaged by heart attack.

Dr. Doris Taylor is part of a lab pioneering whole organ decellularization in which an existing organ is "washed" away of its cells, leaving behind only a skeleton of extracellular matrix. New cells are then seeded onto the scaffolding, and a new organ develops with the genetic code of the donated cells. In theory, organs from cadavers, or even other species, could be washed, seeded, and reused without rejection. You can learn more with this amazing video.

Until new organs can be successfully grown and implanted, the best way to save lives is through organ donation. Learn more about organ donation by visiting these web sites:

Donate Life
Organ Donor