Successful heart valves from germ cells

British scientists have for the first time successfully cultivated part of the human heart from germ cells. Lead researcher Magdi Yacoub said doctors could use these heart components during transplant surgeries over the next three years.

Complete organs can be grown from germ cells.

The team, from Harefield Hospital, spent 10 years researching this project with physicists, pharmacists, clinicians and cell scientists. Finally, they have been able to cultivate tissues similar to human heart valves.

Later this year, these heart valve tissue will be implanted in animals like pigs and sheep to see if they cause problems.

This achievement is seen as an important step towards the adoption of complete organs for transplantation. Professor Magdi said that in the next 10 years, they could create a complete heart from germ cells.

Germ cells can develop into any cell form of the body. Scientists believe they are capable of growing into the necessary cells for the treatment of spinal injuries and other diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.

T.VY