Scientists 'seed' cells, make new organs

In this article, a summation of the procedures used to successfully reconstruct urethras in a few young patiens with their own cells has been reported. The first engineered urethras were implanted early 2004, with continuing function after several years.

The main issue with conventional urethra replacement is that the narrow structure collapses often. Engineering urethras offer the benefit of a viable tube that will not collapse easily.

To successfully reconstruct urethras, a small piece of the patient's own tissue from the bladder area had to be taken. Then, the cells are scraped, and the muscle cells are separated from urethral cells. After a sufficient number of cells have multiplied, the cells are seeded onto a polymeric scaffold that is shaped like a urethra. The inside of the scaffold is coated with urethral cells while the outside is coated with muscle cells. After two weeks incubation, the engineered urethra is implanted into the patient.

It was reported that the grafts appeared normal about three months after they were implanted, and that they functioned normally within a few weeks after implantation. Using autologous cells eliminates the possibility of rejection.

I think this is a really interesting report since the engineered urethra remained functioning for about 6 years. Also, it was reported that these were implanted in young males, which means that the design held up even as the body underwent changes. Although designing the urethra might be simpler than other organs, engineering other organs will be a reality after more experience and research.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/07/building.new.urethras/index.html

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673610623549/abstract