Donor organs have learned not only to be preserved, but also to be partially “rejuvenated”

At Mass General Brigham medical center in Boston, researchers found that a few hours of perfusion can “rejuvenate” a donated liver at the molecular level. This could expand the number of organs suitable for transplantation, including by making use of donors of older age.

Perfusion is a procedure in which an extracted organ is connected to a special machine: it pumps oxygen-rich fluid with nutrients through the liver while also removing metabolic waste. In the study, after such treatment, the liver’s biological age decreased by about 30%.

Analysis showed changes in mechanisms related to inflammation and cell repair. The effect also persisted after transplantation. Researchers now want to understand whether it can be reproduced with drugs — which would make donor-organ recovery more accessible.