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Scientists Say They Grew A Liver From Rat Cells ALMATY (AFP) - Kazakh scientists said that they had grown a liver from cells extracted from the embryos of rats, in an experiment that could have important consequences for humans. Scientists at the Aktyubinsk State Medical Academy, in Atkobe, western Kazakhstan, said that cells introduced into rats grew into a second liver alongside the first. "For the first time, rats have gained a new liver, an absolutely new and healthy liver, which functions exactly like the old one," said Marat Istleuov Pro-Rector at the academy. However, Istleuov said he was unable to reveal how the liver had been grown as the academy was hoping to send the method to Geneva for patenting in July. During the second phase of experiments scientists injected the cells into rats with cirrhosis of the liver and found the second liver that grew alongside the first took over the functions of the sick organ. "The rats would normally die within a week or two but they are running around, eating and fulfilling other functions. We have extended the life of a sick animal," said Istleuov. The consequences for humans suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and other chronic liver diseases could be enormous, he added, although experiments had a long way to go before they reached humans. "If this method is transferred to humans we can save people who have cancer of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver, those diseases where it would be necessary to replace the liver," he said. Experiments had shown that the cells did not have a damaging effect on other vital organisms in the rats, such as the brain, he said. The work is being carried out under the leadership of the Academy Rector, Zhaksylyk Doskalieyv
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