In the MePEP (MEsenchymal stem cell administration and normothermic machine PErfusion in Porcine renal transplantation) project, we seek to improve the renal function after kidney transplantation from circulatory dead donors (DCD). It is done in an experimental setting using a constructed large animal model.

The shortage of donors has led to the consideration of using DCD, but such organs have greater risk of primary non function and delayed graft function. Therefore, two methods are being tested to improve the kidney function: Adding stem cells to the kidney and/or using machine perfusion. If improved function, the methods can be further tested in a human setting and lastly it may lead to increasement of renal transplantation.

MePEP is a consortium together with Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam; The Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University and University of Groningen.

Researchers:

• Bente Jespersen
  Professor, MD, DMSci
• Marco Eijken
  Postdoc, Scientist, PhD 
• Anna Krarup Keller
  Postdoc, MD, PhD
• Stine Lohmann
  MD, PhD