Appointment of Carmen Peralta, Group leader (R4)
Success is the reward for brave people who dared to overcome their limitations

Current research

Problem

Organs available for transplant are insufficient to meet demand and many patients die while waiting. The majority of organs for a transplant come from deceased donors but, given the shortage of donors, the criteria have been expanded and steatosis (fatty liver) is also now accepted.

Both brain death and steatosis negatively affect graft quality, as well as post-transplant results. In addition, many organs are rejected precisely due to steatosis, which increases the problem of donor liver shortages.

Approach

The group’s research focuses on the quest for pharmacological, technological and surgical strategies in transplantation and hepatic resections to protect the livers, especially in the case of expanding the criteria, as in the case of steatosis.

Impact

The group’s goal is to transfer to clinical practice the most effective and least invasive therapies for people who need a liver. The application of its results may solve a problem of social and clinical significance: improving the survival and quality of life of those patients undergoing a liver transplant and, therefore, reducing waiting lists.