Many Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients may be surprised to learn that approximately 2,600 kidneys that are donated yearly, "must be discarded due to abnormalities and other factors," reported Science Daily. What's more shocking is while these damaged kidneys are discarded, according to the National Kidney Foundation in 2014, a staggering "4,270 patients died while waiting for a kidney transplant." Hence, by preserving currently discarded kidneys, potentially 60% of Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients could be saved from untimely deaths. 

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Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center reported progress in their quest to build replacement kidneys in the lab using these currently discarded Cadaver Kidney Donations. The goal is simple and one that all Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients can appreciate: "Recycle" the more than 2,600 kidneys that are donated every year and must be discarded by using engineered, tailor-made replacement kidneys for patients. In short, Lead Researcher Dr. Giuseppe Orlando (transplant surgeon and regenerative medicine researcher), suggested that based upon long term studies, "discarded human kidneys are a suitable platform for engineering replacement kidneys." Isn't that great news!

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The idea is to replace kidney cells from a kidney which would otherwise be thrown away with that of a Chronic Kidney Disease or Dialysis patient's own stem cells. Thereby creating a tailor-made kidney which would be naturally accepted by the body without the use of powerful Immunosuppressant Drugs which patients must currently use and risk weight gain, hair loss, Cancers, Diabetes, and even deadly allergic reactions. 

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Using this newly developed process, a damaged kidney is washed in a mild detergent to remove all cells. Next the kidney is seeded with stem cells which proliferate (increase rapidly in numbers) allowing the kidney to become functionally active.

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What an amazing step forward which should be exciting to most Chronic Kidney Disease patients. There is still work needed to be done before this type of Kidney Transplant is considered a "viable option" which can be transplanted into patients. However, clearly a lot of progress has been made. If you are interested in being the first to get updates on the progress of stem cell research of this type as well as any human trials which may occur in the future that KidneyBuzz.com is made aware of, complete the below form and you will be informed of relevant progress updates and breakthroughs. Also, share this exciting development with your family and friends via Facebook, Twitter, and email. Let's spread the word that there is hope for a brighter future for those suffering with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis and/or Diabetes.

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References:

"New Discoveries Advance Efforts to Build Replacement Kidneys in the Lab." Http://www.wakehealth.edu. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

"New Discoveries Advance Efforts to Build Replacement Kidneys in the Lab." ScienceDaily. Http://www.sciencedaily.com.

"Researchers Work to Build Replacement Kidneys in the Lab." Http://www.nephrologynews.com. Nephrology News and Issues.