Out to drain: scientists transplant artificial ureter into a pig for the first time
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- Out to drain: scientists transplant artificial ureter into a pig for the first time
Scientists at the Institute of Regenerative Medicine of Sechenov University have developed a tissue-engineered bioequivalent for ureter repair and successfully implanted it in a pig. Research in this direction opens new perspectives in regenerative medicine, allowing for more effective and less traumatic methods of treating injuries to the urinary tract and other organs. Read more about what patients can be helped by the technology, read in the material "Izvestia".
How to treat injuries and inflammation of the ureter
Scientists at the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University on the basis of collagen created a special support membrane, repeating the shape of the ureter. It temporarily takes over the functions of the damaged part of the organ, and also plays the role of a substrate on which biochernyls containing spheroids - "balls" from the patient's own cells - are applied. Spheroids release a cocktail of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory factors and biologically active substances, stimulating the regeneration of the ureter. As the collagen membrane resorbs, it is replaced by new, healthy tissue.
The researchers implanted the bioequivalent in a pig with chronic damage to the ureter. The implant successfully took root and triggered tissue regeneration. Researchers are now monitoring the animal to determine how long it will take to fully recover.
- We are working on a platform technology that will allow us to regenerate flat epithelial tissues - skin, mucous membranes. Already ready for introduction into clinical practice bioequivalent of the eardrum, and bioequivalent of the ureter is being tested on animals, and we see encouraging results, - told "Izvestia" project manager, scientific director of the NTPB Sechenov University Peter Timashev.
Clinical trials of bioequivalent urinary tract is scheduled for 2026. After them, restoration of the ureter using tissue engineering technologies will become available to patients of the Clinical Center of Sechenov University.
In case of traumas or inflammations of the urinary tract, it often becomes narrowed, preventing normal urine outflow and causing painful sensations. Traditional treatments include using the patient's own tissues, such as cheek or intestinal mucosa, to replace the damaged areas. However, such procedures are traumatic and not always effective.
Ureteral bioequivalent in clinical practice
Currently, Sechenov University is in the final stage of obtaining a license for the production of biomedical cell products. Already this year, patients will be able to count on therapy using bioequivalents of the eardrum and vocal folds ready for use in clinical practice.
Engineering bioequivalents of human organs embody a revolutionary approach in medicine, Albert Rizvanov, head of the Center of Excellence "Personalized Medicine" at Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, told Izvestia.
- They make it possible to replace damaged or lost tissues using personalized technologies. This is especially relevant for the treatment of diseases in which traditional methods are not always effective. The technology may be indicated as a result of trauma, inflammation or after surgical intervention, also chronic diseases of the urinary tract may be an indication, - said the expert.
The technology is very promising for patients who have problems with the urinary tract, told "Izvestia" doctor urologist andrologist, oncourologist "SM-Clinica" Vladimir Stepanov.
- The use of tissue-engineered bioequivalents is very promising in urology, as the tissue of the ureter is very often damaged during various medical interventions. And people are forced to walk with nephrostomies (drainage catheters) or permanent internal stents. And, of course, it is important for such patients to replace the ureter, - said the specialist.
Technologies that would allow to completely transplant the ureter do not exist yet, Mikhail Bolkov, a researcher at the Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained to Izvestia.
- These are very thin and complex structures for surgery, so such implants are a big step forward," the expert said.
The project is supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RNF).
