Mitochondrial transplantation for organ rescue.

Mitochondrial transplantation involves the replacement or augmentation of native mitochondria damaged, by ischemia, with viable, respiration-competent mitochondria isolated from non-ischemic tissue obtained from the patient's own body. The uptake and cellular functional integration of the transplanted mitochondria appears to occur in all cell types. Efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in cell culture, isolated perfused organ, in vivo large animal studies and in a first-human clinical study. Herein, we review our findings and provide insight for use in the treatment of organ ischemia- reperfusion injury.