1
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Westhaver LP, Nersesian S, Arseneau RJ, Hefler J, Hargreaves BK, Edgar A, Azizieh Y, Cuesta-Gomez N, Izquierdo DL, Shapiro AJ, Gala-Lopez BL, Boudreau JE. Mitochondrial DNA levels in perfusate and bile during ex vivo normothermic machine correspond with donor liver quality. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27122. [PMID: 38463874 PMCID: PMC10920371 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) preserves donor organs and permits real-time assessment of allograft health, but the most effective indicators of graft viability are uncertain. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), released consequent to traumatic cell injury and death, including the ischemia-reperfusion injury inherent in transplantation, may meet the need for a biomarker in this context. We describe a real time PCR-based approach to assess cell-free mtDNA during NMP as a universal biomarker of allograft quality. Measured in the perfusate fluid of 29 livers, the quantity of mtDNA correlated with metrics of donor liver health including International Normalized Ratio (INR), lactate, and warm ischemia time, and inversely correlated with inferior vena cava (IVC) flow during perfusion. Our findings endorse mtDNA as a simple and rapidly measured feature that can inform donor liver health, opening the possibility to better assess livers acquired from extended criteria donors to improve organ supply.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Joshua Hefler
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Alexander Edgar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Yara Azizieh
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Nerea Cuesta-Gomez
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Dayne L. Izquierdo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - A.M. James Shapiro
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Boris L. Gala-Lopez
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
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2
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Wu WK, Ukita R, Patel YJ, Cortelli M, Trinh VQ, Ziogas IA, Francois SA, Mentz M, Cardwell NL, Talackine JR, Grogan WM, Stokes JW, Lee YA, Kim J, Alexopoulos SP, Bacchetta M. Xenogeneic cross-circulation for physiological support and recovery of ex vivo human livers. Hepatology 2023; 78:820-834. [PMID: 36988383 PMCID: PMC10440302 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The scarcity of suitable donor livers highlights a continuing need for innovation to recover organs with reversible injuries in liver transplantation. APPROACH AND RESULTS Explanted human donor livers (n = 5) declined for transplantation were supported using xenogeneic cross-circulation of whole blood between livers and xeno-support swine. Livers and swine were assessed over 24 hours of xeno-support. Livers maintained normal global appearance, uniform perfusion, and preservation of histologic and subcellular architecture. Oxygen consumption increased by 75% ( p = 0.16). Lactate clearance increased from -0.4 ± 15.5% to 31.4 ± 19.0% ( p = 0.02). Blinded histopathologic assessment demonstrated improved injury scores at 24 hours compared with 12 hours. Vascular integrity and vasoconstrictive function were preserved. Bile volume and cholangiocellular viability markers improved for all livers. Biliary structural integrity was maintained. CONCLUSIONS Xenogeneic cross-circulation provided multisystem physiological regulation of ex vivo human livers that enabled functional rehabilitation, histopathologic recovery, and improvement of viability markers. We envision xenogeneic cross-circulation as a complementary technique to other organ-preservation technologies in the recovery of marginal donor livers or as a research tool in the development of advanced bioengineering and pharmacologic strategies for organ recovery and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Kelly Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rei Ukita
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yatrik J. Patel
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael Cortelli
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Vincent Q. Trinh
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ioannis A. Ziogas
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sean A. Francois
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Meredith Mentz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nancy L. Cardwell
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Talackine
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William M. Grogan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - John W. Stokes
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Youngmin A. Lee
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sophoclis P. Alexopoulos
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Matthew Bacchetta
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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3
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Li J, Lu H, Zhang J, Li Y, Zhao Q. Comprehensive Approach to Assessment of Liver Viability During Normothermic Machine Perfusion. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:466-479. [PMID: 36643041 PMCID: PMC9817053 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment of advanced liver disease, and the use of extended criteria donor organs has broadened the source of available livers. Although normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has become a useful tool in liver transplantation, there are no consistent criteria that can be used to evaluate the viability of livers during NMP. This review summarizes the criteria, indicators, and methods used to evaluate liver viability during NMP. The shape, appearance, and hemodynamics of the liver can be analyzed at a macroscopic level, while markers of liver injury, indicators of liver and bile duct function, and other relevant indicators can be evaluated by biochemical analysis. The liver can also be assessed by tissue biopsy at the microscopic level. Novel methods for assessment of liver viability are introduced. The limitations of evaluating liver viability during NMP are discussed and suggestions for future clinical practice are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qiang Zhao
- Correspondence to: Qiang Zhao, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6369-1393. Tel: +86-15989196835, E-mail:
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4
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Azizieh Y, Westhaver LP, Badrudin D, Boudreau JE, Gala-Lopez BL. Changing liver utilization and discard rates in clinical transplantation in the ex-vivo machine preservation era. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 5:1079003. [PMID: 36908294 PMCID: PMC9996101 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2023.1079003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is a well-established treatment for many with end-stage liver disease. Unfortunately, the increasing organ demand has surpassed the donor supply, and approximately 30% of patients die while waiting for a suitable liver. Clinicians are often forced to consider livers of inferior quality to increase organ donation rates, but ultimately, many of those organs end up being discarded. Extensive testing in experimental animals and humans has shown that ex-vivo machine preservation allows for a more objective characterization of the graft outside the body, with particular benefit for suboptimal organs. This review focuses on the history of the implementation of ex-vivo liver machine preservation and how its enactment may modify our current concept of organ acceptability. We provide a brief overview of the major drivers of organ discard (age, ischemia time, steatosis, etc.) and how this technology may ultimately revert such a trend. We also discuss future directions for this technology, including the identification of new markers of injury and repair and the opportunity for other ex-vivo regenerative therapies. Finally, we discuss the value of this technology, considering current and future donor characteristics in the North American population that may result in a significant organ discard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Azizieh
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - David Badrudin
- Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jeanette E Boudreau
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Boris L Gala-Lopez
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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5
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Lee ACH, Edobor A, Lysandrou M, Mirle V, Sadek A, Johnston L, Piech R, Rose R, Hart J, Amundsen B, Jendrisak M, Millis JM, Donington J, Madariaga ML, Barth RN, di Sabato D, Shanmugarajah K, Fung J. The Effect of Normothermic Machine Perfusion on the Immune Profile of Donor Liver. Front Immunol 2022; 13:788935. [PMID: 35720395 PMCID: PMC9201055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.788935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) allows viability assessment and potential resuscitation of donor livers prior to transplantation. The immunological effect of NMP on liver allografts is undetermined, with potential implications on allograft function, rejection outcomes and overall survival. In this study we define the changes in immune profile of human livers during NMP. Methods Six human livers were placed on a NMP device. Tissue and perfusate samples were obtained during cold storage prior to perfusion and at 1, 3, and 6 hours of perfusion. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and bead-based immunoassays were used to measure leukocyte composition and cytokines in the perfusate and within the liver tissue. Mean values between baseline and time points were compared by Student’s t-test. Results Within circulating perfusate, significantly increased frequencies of CD4 T cells, B cells and eosinophils were detectable by 1 hour of NMP and continued to increase at 6 hours of perfusion. On the other hand, NK cell frequency significantly decreased by 1 hour of NMP and remained decreased for the duration of perfusion. Within the liver tissue there was significantly increased B cell frequency but decreased neutrophils detectable at 6 hours of NMP. A transient decrease in intermediate monocyte frequency was detectable in liver tissue during the middle of the perfusion run. Overall, no significant differences were detectable in tissue resident T regulatory cells during NMP. Significantly increased levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were seen following initiation of NMP that continued to rise throughout duration of perfusion. Conclusions Time-dependent dynamic changes are seen in individual leukocyte cell-types within both perfusate and tissue compartments of donor livers during NMP. This suggests a potential role of NMP in altering the immunogenicity of donor livers prior to transplant. These data also provide insights for future work to recondition the intrinsic immune profile of donor livers during NMP prior to transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Edobor
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maria Lysandrou
- Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vikranth Mirle
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amir Sadek
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Laura Johnston
- Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ryan Piech
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rebecca Rose
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John Hart
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Beth Amundsen
- Gift of Hope Tissue and Donor Network, Itasca, IL, United States
| | - Martin Jendrisak
- Gift of Hope Tissue and Donor Network, Itasca, IL, United States
| | | | - Jessica Donington
- Section of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maria Lucia Madariaga
- Section of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rolf N Barth
- Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Diego di Sabato
- Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - John Fung
- Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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6
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Delivering siRNA Compounds During HOPE to Modulate Organ Function: A Proof-of-Concept Study in a Rat Liver Transplant Model. Transplantation 2022; 106:1565-1576. [PMID: 35581683 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apoptosis contributes to the severity of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), limiting the use of extended criteria donors in liver transplantation (LT). Machine perfusion has been proposed as a platform to administer specific therapies to improve graft function. Alternatively, the inhibition of genes associated with apoptosis during machine perfusion could alleviate IRI post-LT. The aim of the study was to investigate whether inhibition of an apoptosis-associated gene (FAS) using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) approach could alleviate IRI in a rat LT model. METHODS In 2 different experimental protocols, FASsiRNA (500 µg) was administered to rat donors 2 h before organ procurement, followed by 22 h of static cold storage, (SCS) or was added to the perfusate during 1 h of ex situ hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) to livers previously preserved for 4 h in SCS. RESULTS Transaminase levels were significantly lower in the SCS-FASsiRNA group at 24 h post-LT. Proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-2, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma) were significantly decreased in the SCS-FASsiRNA group, whereas the interleukin-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine was significantly increased in the HOPE-FASsiRNA group. Liver absorption of FASsiRNA after HOPE session was demonstrated by confocal microscopy; however, no statistically significant differences on the apoptotic index, necrosis levels, and FAS protein transcription between treated and untreated groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS FAS inhibition through siRNA therapy decreases the severity of IRI after LT in a SCS protocol; however the association of siRNA therapy with a HOPE perfusion model is very challenging. Future studies using better designed siRNA compounds and appropriate doses are required to prove the siRNA therapy effectiveness during liver HOPE liver perfusion.
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7
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Brüggenwirth IMA, van Leeuwen OB, Porte RJ, Martins PN. The Emerging Role of Viability Testing During Liver Machine Perfusion. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:876-886. [PMID: 33963657 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The transplant community continues to be challenged by the disparity between the need for liver transplantation and the shortage of suitable donor organs. At the same time, the number of unused donor livers continues to increase, most likely attributed to the worsening quality of these organs. To date, there is no reliable marker of liver graft viability that can predict good posttransplant outcomes. Ex situ machine perfusion offers additional data to assess the viability of donor livers before transplantation. Hence, livers initially considered unsuitable for transplantation can be assessed during machine perfusion in terms of appearance and consistency, hemodynamics, and metabolic and excretory function. In addition, postoperative complications such as primary nonfunction or posttransplant cholangiopathy may be predicted and avoided. A variety of viability criteria have been used in machine perfusion, and to date there is no widely accepted composition of criteria for clinical use. This review discusses potential viability markers for hepatobiliary function during machine perfusion, describes current limitations, and provides future recommendations for the use of viability criteria in clinical liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M A Brüggenwirth
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
| | - Otto B van Leeuwen
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J Porte
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
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8
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Lascaris B, Thorne AM, Lisman T, Nijsten MWN, Porte RJ, de Meijer VE. Long-term normothermic machine preservation of human livers: what is needed to succeed? Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G183-G200. [PMID: 34756122 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00257.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Although short-term machine perfusion (≤24 h) allows for resuscitation and viability assessment of high-risk donor livers, the donor organ shortage might be further remedied by long-term perfusion machines. Extended preservation of injured donor livers may allow reconditioning, repairing, and regeneration. This review summarizes the necessary requirements and challenges for long-term liver machine preservation, which requires integrating multiple core physiological functions to mimic the physiological environment inside the body. A pump simulates the heart in the perfusion system, including automatically controlled adjustment of flow and pressure settings. Oxygenation and ventilation are required to account for the absence of the lungs combined with continuous blood gas analysis. To avoid pressure necrosis and achieve heterogenic tissue perfusion during preservation, diaphragm movement should be simulated. An artificial kidney is required to remove waste products and control the perfusion solution's composition. The perfusate requires an oxygen carrier, but will also be challenged by coagulation and activation of the immune system. The role of the pancreas can be mimicked through closed-loop control of glucose concentrations by automatic injection of insulin or glucagon. Nutrients and bile salts, generally transported from the intestine to the liver, have to be supplemented when preserving livers long term. Especially for long-term perfusion, the container should allow maintenance of sterility. In summary, the main challenge to develop a long-term perfusion machine is to maintain the liver's homeostasis in a sterile, carefully controlled environment. Long-term machine preservation of human livers may allow organ regeneration and repair, thereby ultimately solving the shortage of donor livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Lascaris
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adam M Thorne
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Lisman
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W N Nijsten
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J Porte
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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9
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The Need to Update Endpoints and Outcome Analysis in the Rapidly Changing Field of Liver Transplantation. Transplantation 2021; 106:938-949. [PMID: 34753893 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) survival rates have continued to improve over the last decades, mostly due to the reduction of mortality early after transplantation. The advancement is facilitating a liberalization of access to LT, with more patients with higher risk profiles being added to the waiting list. At the same time, the persisting organ shortage fosters strategies to rescue organs of high-risk donors. This is facilitated by novel technologies such as machine perfusion. Owing to these developments, reconsideration of the current and emerging endpoints for the assessment of the efficacy of existing and new therapies is warranted. While conventional early endpoints in LT have focused on the damage induced to the parenchyma, the fate of the bile duct and the recurrence of the underlying disease have a stronger impact on the long-term outcome. In light of this evolving landscape, we here attempt to reflect on the appropriateness of the currently used endpoints in the field of LT trials.
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10
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Tchouta LN, Alghanem F, Rojas-Pena A, Bartlett RH. Prolonged (≥24 Hours) Normothermic (≥32 °C) Ex Vivo Organ Perfusion: Lessons From the Literature. Transplantation 2021; 105:986-998. [PMID: 33031222 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
For 2 centuries, researchers have studied ex vivo perfusion intending to preserve the physiologic function of isolated organs. If it were indeed possible to maintain ex vivo organ viability for days, transplantation could become an elective operation with clinicians methodically surveilling and reconditioning allografts before surgery. To this day, experimental reports of successfully prolonged (≥24 hours) organ perfusion are rare and have not translated into clinical practice. To identify the crucial factors necessary for successful perfusion, this review summarizes the history of prolonged normothermic ex vivo organ perfusion. By examining successful techniques and protocols used, this review outlines the essential elements of successful perfusion, limitations of current perfusion systems, and areas where further research in preservation science is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise N Tchouta
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Fares Alghanem
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI
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11
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Lembach Jahnsen H, Mergental H, Perera MTPR, Mirza DF. Ex-situ liver preservation with machine preservation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2021; 26:121-132. [PMID: 33650995 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize key studies in liver preservation published over the last 3 years and evaluate benefits and limitations of the different perfusion techniques. Selected experimental applications that may be translated to the clinical use will be also discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has transitioned into clinical practice. Viability assessment is a reliable tool for clinical decision-making, and safety of the back-to-base approach has facilitated adoption of the technology. Data supporting well tolerated use of declined livers after NMP and new protocols selecting complex recipients aim to improve access to suitable organs. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) is showing promising clinical results by decreasing biliary complications in recipients' receiving organs donated after circulatory death (DCD) and improving early graft function in extended criteria organs. Long-term data of HMP on DCD livers shows improved graft survival over standard SCS. Novel approaches utilizing sequential HMP--NMP or ischaemia-free preservation aim to improve outcomes of extended criteria organs. SUMMARY Machine perfusion for organ transplantation has become an established technique but the field is rapidly evolving. Ongoing research focuses on evaluation of the intervention efficacy and finding optimal indications to use each perfusion strategy according to graft type and clinical scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanns Lembach Jahnsen
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), Birmingham
| | - Hynek Mergental
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), Birmingham
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - M Thamara P R Perera
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), Birmingham
| | - Darius F Mirza
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), Birmingham
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
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12
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Martins PN, Rizzari MD, Ghinolfi D, Jochmans I, Attia M, Jalan R, Friend PJ. Design, Analysis, and Pitfalls of Clinical Trials Using Ex Situ Liver Machine Perfusion: The International Liver Transplantation Society Consensus Guidelines. Transplantation 2021; 105:796-815. [PMID: 33760791 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent trials in liver machine perfusion (MP) have revealed unique challenges beyond those seen in most clinical studies. Correct trial design and interpretation of data are essential to avoid drawing conclusions that may compromise patient safety and increase costs. METHODS The International Liver Transplantation Society, through the Special Interest Group "DCD, Preservation and Machine Perfusion," established a working group to write consensus statements and guidelines on how future clinical trials in liver perfusion should be designed, with particular focus on relevant clinical endpoints and how different techniques of liver perfusion should be compared. Protocols, abstracts, and full published papers of clinical trials using liver MP were reviewed. The use of a simplified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group (GRADE) system was attempted to assess the level of evidence. The working group presented its conclusions at the International Liver Transplantation Society consensus conference "DCD, Liver Preservation, and Machine Perfusion" held in Venice, Italy, on January 31, 2020. RESULTS Twelve recommendations were proposed with the main conclusions that clinical trials investigating the effect of MP in liver transplantation should (1) make the protocol publicly available before the start of the trial, (2) be adequately powered, and (3) carefully consider timing of randomization in function of the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS There are issues with using accepted primary outcomes of liver transplantation trials in the context of MP trials, and no ideal endpoint could be defined by the working group. The setup of an international registry was considered vital by the working group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo N Martins
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
| | - Michael D Rizzari
- Division of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
| | - Davide Ghinolfi
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Pisa Medical School Hospital, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Ina Jochmans
- Transplantation Research Group, Lab of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Magdy Attia
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Transplantation Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Friend
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Brüggenwirth IMA, de Meijer VE, Porte RJ, Martins PN. Viability criteria assessment during liver machine perfusion. Nat Biotechnol 2020; 38:1260-1262. [PMID: 33106683 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0720-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M A Brüggenwirth
- Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Department of Surgery, Division of Organ Transplantation, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J Porte
- Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Department of Surgery, Division of Organ Transplantation, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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