Xenotransplantation is the use of live nonhuman animal cells, tissues and organs in human patients. These cells can be implanted or enclosed in a device that is used outside the body ("ex vivo perfusion"). Lord Ganesha is the God of Xeno transplantation surgery. He is the elephant headed God. The birthday of Lord Ganesha is 'Ganesh Chaturthi' and this year it is celebrated on 19th Sep.
Today, with shortage of organs the world over, the attractive option of using animal organs is being explored all the time. If research could overcome rejection (antigen- antibody reaction), then, using animal body parts for humans could become a reality. Some examples of animal tissue that is used in the humans include heart valves that are derived from pigs.
Ganesha has an elephant’s head on the human body. The transplant is believed to have been performed by Lord Shiva. The scientific significance of Ganesha’s form may be interpreted as follows-
» Lord Ganesha looks abnormally obese, especially so in the regions of his abdomen and chest. After transplant surgery almost all patients receive steroids leading to a similar obesity. One wonders if Ganesha was on a long-term high dose of steroids after the transplant? No other Indian God is shown with this type of physique.
» Lord Ganesha’s accompanying mate is shown as a mouse – which sits infront or shown along with him. Most of the transplant research is done on mice before it is extrapolated on humans. There are reasons to ponder if the mouse is depicted for a purpose; giving the small animal its dues.
» After the transplant surgery, Lord Shiva is believed to have given Ganesha an elixir to drink. One cannot help speculating if this was some potion containing an anti-rejection medication. It is common practice to use similar booster anti-rejection drugs during transplant surgeries performed today.
Solid organ transplants are now common venture and almost any organ can be transplanted. Recently there have been instances of face transplants; however head transplant is the most complex of all transplants and no one has attempted this feat. Xeno-transplants of the head are unlikely to be used and can be only be confined to mythological stories such as that of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesha holds a unique niche in the minds of millions of devotees the world over. On the tenth day, the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi meet a watery end, when clay idols of Ganesh are immersed in local water bodies. This is in accordance to the law of natural recycling.
These celebrations should also trigger thoughts that question their validity and prompt us to ponder on their significance, if any! Although we indulge in treason and murder, what makes us unique, as a race, is the ability to donate our body parts to revive a fellow human; the supreme sacrifice- to donate life! Let this be the presiding thought as we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi this year and in the years to come.
Today, with shortage of organs the world over, the attractive option of using animal organs is being explored all the time. If research could overcome rejection (antigen- antibody reaction), then, using animal body parts for humans could become a reality. Some examples of animal tissue that is used in the humans include heart valves that are derived from pigs.
Ganesha has an elephant’s head on the human body. The transplant is believed to have been performed by Lord Shiva. The scientific significance of Ganesha’s form may be interpreted as follows-
» Lord Ganesha looks abnormally obese, especially so in the regions of his abdomen and chest. After transplant surgery almost all patients receive steroids leading to a similar obesity. One wonders if Ganesha was on a long-term high dose of steroids after the transplant? No other Indian God is shown with this type of physique.
» Lord Ganesha’s accompanying mate is shown as a mouse – which sits infront or shown along with him. Most of the transplant research is done on mice before it is extrapolated on humans. There are reasons to ponder if the mouse is depicted for a purpose; giving the small animal its dues.
» After the transplant surgery, Lord Shiva is believed to have given Ganesha an elixir to drink. One cannot help speculating if this was some potion containing an anti-rejection medication. It is common practice to use similar booster anti-rejection drugs during transplant surgeries performed today.
Solid organ transplants are now common venture and almost any organ can be transplanted. Recently there have been instances of face transplants; however head transplant is the most complex of all transplants and no one has attempted this feat. Xeno-transplants of the head are unlikely to be used and can be only be confined to mythological stories such as that of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesha holds a unique niche in the minds of millions of devotees the world over. On the tenth day, the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi meet a watery end, when clay idols of Ganesh are immersed in local water bodies. This is in accordance to the law of natural recycling.
These celebrations should also trigger thoughts that question their validity and prompt us to ponder on their significance, if any! Although we indulge in treason and murder, what makes us unique, as a race, is the ability to donate our body parts to revive a fellow human; the supreme sacrifice- to donate life! Let this be the presiding thought as we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi this year and in the years to come.
