Xenotransplantation from the perspective of moral theology

The view of the three monotheistic religions toward xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation, transplanting animal organs into humans, may offer a solution to the shortage of organs for transplantation. This would increase the chances for scheduled, elective transplantation, even for patients currently ineligible for receiving a human organ. However, xenotransplantation raises specific ethical and philosophical issues, that is, a personal identification of the body parts with the soul and spirit, the relationships between humans and animals, and challenges related to issues of medical and social ethics. The three monotheistic religions have laws and perspectives pertaining to xenotransplantation. This scholarly review examines the theology and viewpoints of the three monotheistic religions and their concerns regarding xenotransplantation (interspecies) in terms of religious-legal rulings, the ethical considerations related to the procedure, through religious scriptures and rulings of scholars of the three faith communities. This review should be viewed as a continuation of an extensive investigation of these issues, as the field of transplantation advances toward clinical trials. It was found that there are no fundamental religious reasons presented by any of the three religions to prohibit the use of animal organs as a means of treating severe and life-threatening conditions. However, there are certain limitations prescribed by each religion relating to the treatment of the animals and the choice of organs to be transplanted.

Revolutionizing Heart Transplantation: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Xenotransplantation, Immunosuppression, Regenerative Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, and Economic Sustainability

Heart transplantation (HTx) stands as a life-saving intervention for patients with end-stage heart disease, but the field is fraught with numerous challenges that span from the scarcity of donor organs to long-term complications arising from immunosuppressive therapies. This comprehensive review article offers an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted aspects of HTx. The review covers groundbreaking advancements in xenotransplantation, enabled by cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques, and the promising role of stem cell therapies, particularly porcine mesenchymal stem cells, in cardiac regeneration. It also delves into the evolution and limitations of immunosuppressive therapies and the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in enhancing donor-recipient matching and predicting patient outcomes. Economic considerations, especially in the context of rising healthcare costs, are examined to assess the sustainability of these advancements. The article further discusses the significant improvements in patient outcomes over the years, while highlighting persisting challenges, such as graft failure, rejection, and infection. It underscores the importance of experience and specialized training, evidenced by the presence of an institutional learning curve. The review concludes by advocating for a multifaceted, collaborative approach involving clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to overcome existing challenges. Through coordinated efforts that consider medical, ethical, and economic factors, the field of HTx is poised for further evolution, offering renewed hope for improved patient care and outcomes.

Public Attitudes Toward Xenotransplantation: A Theological Perspective

Among the myriad factors contributing to public attitudes toward xenotransplantation, religious belief offers a complex picture. In April 2019, xenotransplantation researchers at the University of Alabama-Birmingham conducted a focus group conversation among 12 area religious leaders. This article offers a theological analysis of the transcript of this conversation. The details of the interactions among the focus group participants sheds light on the manner in which theological belief shapes attitudes toward xenotransplantation. While participants generally recognized and affirmed the potential benefits of xenotransplantation, their support was tempered by an array of concerns emerging from a theological narrative that shaped their moral assessment.

Jewish, Christian and Muslim theological perspectives about xenotransplantation

BACKGROUND

This paper is based on a theological symposium presented at the International Xenotransplantation Association's 14th Congress held in Baltimore, MD, September, 2017.

METHODS

The information explores the Jewish, Christian and Muslim theological perceptions and perspectives about cross-species (ie pig-to-human) organ transplantation, the genetic alterations required in the organ-source pig, and their potential to influence individual acceptance of the procedure.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

This work should not be considered as the ultimate word about individual theological views, but rather as part of an ongoing conversation that will hopefully lead to wider consideration and exploration of these issues as xenotransplantation science advances towards clinical trials.