The promise of organ rejuvenation to overcome the shortage in organ transplantation.

Kayumov, Mukhammad; Song, Zhuolun; Martin, Friederike; Tsou, Sarah; Xiao, Yao; Zhou, Hao; Tullius, Stefan G · Nat Commun · 2025

review · Level V

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Abstract

Organ shortage remains a major barrier in treating end-stage organ failure, with many patients dying while waiting or becoming medically unfit by the time an organ is offered. A substantial number of organs, particularly from older donors, remain unused due to concerns over age-related decline in quality. This review highlights emerging strategies to rejuvenate and optimize such organs by mitigating ischemia-reperfusion injury and reducing age-related immunogenicity. Advances in organ preservation, perfusion technologies, and novel therapies - including senotherapeutics, anti-inflammatory agents, and stem cell treatments - show promise in improving graft viability and bridging the gap between organ supply and demand.

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