CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of and priority to USSN 61/566,419, filed on

December 2, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT

[ Not Applicable ]

BACKGROUND

[0002] Organs subject to various surgical procedures and/or organs for

transplantation (grafts) often face a period of diminished or interrupted blood flow (e.g., during a surgical procedure, as a consequence of injury, or during removal and transit for transplants). Organ transplants, in particular, face a period of having to survive outside the donor and recipient. During that time, although grafts are preserved by cooling and other measures, they are short of blood supply (ischemia). Prolonged ischemia can be damaging because of lack of oxygen and nutrients. When the graft organ is attached to the blood circulation of the recipient, or when circulation is restored to an organ in a surgical procedure and/or as a consequence of repair to damage, the tissue is suddenly reperfused with blood (reperfusion). However, instead of restoring normal function, reperfusion can result in inflammation and additional damage to the organ, an event known as reperfusion injury. This type of reperfusion -related inflammation and cellular insult can further destroy an already damaged/ischemic graft. Depending on the severity of the initial ischemia, the tissue can subsequently be seriously or permanently damaged, subjecting the newly transplanted graft to an increased risk of graft dysfunction/failure and subsequent organ rejection from the recipient. The severe form of ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with solid organ transplantation is a life-threatening condition.

[0003] Ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) can occur during hepatic surgery with clamping of the vascular pedicle of the porta hepatis (Pringle Maneuver) and in liver transplantation (LT). Liver IRI has a profound clinical impact on graft function after LT when organs from marginal or extended criteria donors are used because its deleterious effects are augmented in these grafts (Merion et a/.(2006) Ann. Surg., 244: 555-562;

Cameron et al. (2006) Ann. Surg., 243: 748-753; Anderson et a/.(2011) Liver TranspL, 17: 189-200). IRI causes up to 12% of early organ failure and 15% to 25% of long-term graft dysfunction (Hilmi et al. (2008) Liver Transpl, 14: 504-508). Post-reperfusion syndrome, with an incidence rate of up to 30%, causes acute cardiovascular collapse that may lead to death of the patients (Aggarwal et al. (1987) Transpl. Proc, 19: 54-55; Bukowicka et al. (2011) Ann. Transplant, 16: 26-30; Paugam-Burtz et al. (2009) Liver Transpl, 15: 522- 529). Poor graft function after LT contributes to the need for retransplantation of the liver and results in an increase in resource utilization.

[0004] Hepatic IRI begins with an interruption of blood flow to the liver (ischemia) that leads to depletion of energy substrates and oxygen (Goto et al. (1992) Hepatology, 15: 432-437), acidosis, impaired adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regeneration (Karwinski et al. (1989) J. Surg. Res., 46: 99-103; Kamiike et al. (1985) Transplantation, 39: 50-55), and reduction of endogenous antioxidant glutathione (GSH) (Kurokawa et al. (1996) J. Surg. Res., 66: 1-5), and the reduced form of nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NADH), a key enzyme in the electron transport chain (Tomitsuka et al. (2010) Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., 1201 : 44-49; Siegel et al. (2011) Acta. Physiol. (Oxf), 203: 225-234). Furthermore, ischemia also results in calcium influx across the plasma membrane and breakdown of the plasma membrane barrier (Kurita et al. (1993) J. Hepatol, 18: 196-204; Uchida et al. (1994) J. Hepatol, 20: 714-719). Paradoxically, the return of blood flow after a period of ischemia (reperfusion) results in induced oxidative stress and further hepatocyte injury through a complex cascade of events that include the infiltration of activated neutrophils in hepatic endothelial cells and systemic release of inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proteases (Weiss (1989) N. Engl. J. Med, 320: 365-376). This state of cellular metabolic debt, in addition to other immunological and inflammatory mediators, result in the activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), a key process in this lethal cell injury, leading to mitochondrial swelling, depolarization, uncoupling, plasma membrane rupture, and subsequent cell death (Weiss (1989) N. Engl. J. Med., 320: 365-376; Jaeschke (2000) J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol, 15: 718-724; Kim et al. (2003) Curr. Mol. Med., 3: 527-535; Nishimura (1998) Hepatology, 27: 1039-1049). The ability of the cell to recover from this type ischemic insult is dependent upon the energy state of the cell prior to organ reperfusion. While a brief period of warm ischemia (WI) may not cause significant alteration in the energy reserve of the mitochondria, prolonged WI results in a state of severe cellular metabolic deficit, an increased in toxic metabolites present in the host splanchnic venous blood, and an elevated portal reperfusion pressure that further predispose the compromised hepatocytes to reperfusion injury. SUMMARY

[0005] It was a surprising discovery that replenishing energy substrates and providing a nurturing milieu for cellular recovery prior to exposure of host blood, which contains toxic metabolites from the stagnation of splanchnic circulation and elevated reperfusion pressure, would mitigate the adverse effects of IRI. In various embodiments the novel therapeutic strategy of regulated hepatic reperfusion (RHR) delivers a substrate- enriched, oxygen-saturated, and leukocyte depleted perfusate under regulated reperfusion pressure during the critical initial period of organ revascularization.

[0006] In certain embodiments an organ reperfusion protection solution is provided. In various embodiments the solution comprises a buffer (e.g. , a physiologically compatible buffer), one or more substrates for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) under anaerobic conditions, citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD); and one or more amino acids that stabilize cell membranes. In certain embodiments the pH of the solution ranges from about 7.8 to about 8.6. [0007] In certain embodiments an organ reperfusion protection solution is provided where the solution comprises a buffer (e.g. , a physiologically compatible buffer); one or more substrates for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) under anaerobic conditions; citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD); and one or more amino acids that stabilize cell membranes; where the pH of the organ reperfusion protection solution ranges from about pH 7.5 to about pH 8.8. In certain embodiments the pH of the solution ranges from about pH 8.1 to about pH 8.4. In certain embodiments the pH of the solution is about pH 8.4. In certain embodiments the buffer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, tromethamine, tham, and dichloroacetate. In certain embodiments the buffer comprises tromethamine. In certain embodiments the one or more substrates for the synthesis of ATP comprise aspartate and/or glutamate. In certain embodiments the one or more amino acids that stabilize cell membranes comprise one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of glycine, lycine, and aspartic acid. In certain embodiments the one or more amino acids comprises glycine. In certain embodiments the solution comprises: citrate, phosphate, dextrose (CPD); D-fructose-1 ,6- biphosphate; glycine; 1-monosodium glutamate; 1-monosodium aspartate; magnesium sulfate; and tromethamine.

[0008] In certain embodiments the organ reperfusion protection solution comprises: magnesium sulfate; tromethamine; citric acid; sodium citrate; sodium phosphate; D- fructose- 1 ,6-bisphosphate; dextrose; L-monosodium glutamate; L-monosodium aspartate; glycine; and sterile water or normal saline. In some embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is normal saline. In some embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is sterile water. [0009] In certain embodiments the organ reperfusion protection solution comprises: magnesium sulfate; tromethamine; citric acid; sodium citrate; sodium phosphate; D- fructose-l,6-bisphosphate; dextrose; L-monosodium glutamate; L-monosodium aspartate; glycine; glacial acetic acid; and sterile water or normal saline. In some embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is normal saline. In some embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is sterile water.

[0010] In certain embodiments the organ reperfusion protection solution comprises: magnesium sulfate; tromethamine; citric acid monohydrate; sodium citrate dihydrate;

sodium phosphate monobasic, monohydrate; D-fructose-l,6-bisphosphate trisodium salt, octahydrate; dextrose, anhydrous; L-monosodium glutamate, monohydrate; L-monosodium aspartate, monohydrate; glycine; and sterile water or normal saline. In some embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is normal saline. In some embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is sterile water.

[0011] In certain embodiments the organ reperfusion protection solution comprises: magnesium sulfate; tromethamine; citric acid monohydrate; sodium citrate dihydrate;

sodium phosphate monobasic, monohydrate; D-fructose- 1 ,6-bisphosphate trisodium salt, octahydrate; dextrose, anhydrous; L-monosodium glutamate, monohydrate; L-monosodium aspartate, monohydrate; glycine; glacial acetic acid; and sterile water or normal saline. In some embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is normal saline. In some

embodiments, the sterile water or normal saline is sterile water. [0012] In certain embodiments the magnesium sulfate ranges from about 10 g to about 14 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the tromethamine ranges from about 7 g to about 9 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the citric acid ranges from about 0.5 g to about 1.0 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the sodium citrate ranges from about 5 g to about 7 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the sodium phosphate ranges from about 0.25 g to about 0.75 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the the D-fructose- 1 ,6-bisphosphate ranges from about 4 g to about 8 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the L-monosodium glutamate ranges from about 8 g to about 12 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the L-monosodium aspartate ranges from about 8 g to about 12 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments the glycine ranges from about 0.2 g to about 0.6 g per liter of solution. In certain embodiments, where glacial acetic acid is present the glacial acetic acid ranges from about 0.5 mL to about 1.5 mL per liter of solution. In certain embodiments a liter of solution comprises: about 12.01 g magnesium sulfate; about 8.1 g tromethamine; about 0.73 g citric acid; about 5.91 g sodium citrate; about 0.49 g sodium phosphate; about 5.50 g D-fructose-l ,6-bisphosphate; about 5.22 g dextrose; about 10.7 g 1-monosodium glutamate; about 9.8 g 1-monosodium aspartate; about 0.36 g glycine; and sterile water, q.s. l ,000mL. . In certain embodiments a liter of solution, the solution comprises: about 12.01 g magnesium sulfate; about 8.1 g tromethamine; about 0.73 g citric acid; about 5.91 g sodium citrate; about 0.49 g sodium phosphate; about 5.50 g D-fructose-l ,6-bisphosphate; about 5.22 g dextrose; about 10.7 g 1- monosodium glutamate; about 9.8 g 1-monosodium aspartate; about 0.36 g glycine; 0.9 mL glacial acetic acid, and sterile water, q.s. l ,000mL. In certain embodiments the pH of the solution is about 8.4. In certain embodiments the solution is sterile. In certain

embodiments the solution is mixed with whole blood (or a blood fraction or synthetic blood). In certain embodiments the ratio of blood to solution ranges from about 1 : 1 to about 10: 1. In certain embodiments the ratio of blood to solution ranges from about 2: 1 to about 6: 1. In certain embodiments the ratio of blood to solution is about 4: 1. In certain embodiments leukocytes in the mixed solution are reduced or are substantially removed. In certain embodiments the solution is oxygenated (e.g., oxygenated to maintain oxygen saturation at about 100%). In certain embodiments the solution is heated (e.g., to a temperature ranging from about 25°C to about 37°C, or to a temperature ranging from about 26°C to about 36°C, or to a temperature ranging from about 30°C to about 34°C; or to a temperature ranging from about 30°C to about 32°C). [0013] In various embodiments methods of mitigating ischemic reperfusion injury in a solid organ of a mammal are provided where the methods comprise contacting the solid organ with an organ reperfusion protection solution as described and/or as claimed herein. In certain embodiments the contacting comprises reperfusing the organ with a perfusate comprising a reperfusion protection solution described and/or claimed herein. In certain embodiments the reperfusion protection solution is combined with whole blood (or with a blood fraction or with synthetic blood). In certain embodiments the ratio of blood to the reperfusion protection solution ranges from about 1 : 1 to about 10: 1. In certain

embodiments the ratio of blood to the reperfusion solution is about 4: 1. In certain embodiments the perfusate is oxygenated before or during delivery to the organ. In certain embodiments the perfusate is oxygenated to 100% oxygen saturation. In certain

embodiments leukocytes are reduced or eliminated from the perfusate before the perfusate is delivered to the organ. In certain embodiments the leukocytes are reduced or eliminated using a leukocyte reduction filter. In certain embodiments the perfusate is delivered under a regulated pressure (e.g., a pressure ranging from about 2 mm Hg to about 24 mm Hg, or a pressure ranging from about 8 mm Hg to about 12 mm Hg). In certain embodiments the perfusate is delivered under a regulated pressure corresponding to a physiological pressure for that mammal and organ. In certain embodiments the perfusate is at a temperature below normal body temperature of the mammal. In certain embodiments the perfusate is at a temperature ranging from about 26°C to about 35°C or at a temperature ranging from about 30°C to about 32°C. In certain embodiments the reperfusion is performed at the normal body temperature of the mammal. In certain embodiments the method is performed for a period ranging from about 10 min up to 2 hrs, or from about 20 minutes up to about 1 hr, or from about 30 minutes to about 40 minutes. In certain embodiments the organ is selected from the group consisting of a liver, a kidney, a pancreas, a spleen, heart, lungs, skin, an intestine, a composite tissue such as limbs or extremities. In certain embodiments the organ is a liver. In certain embodiments the organ is a transplant organ. In certain embodiments the organ is an organ in a subject where the organ is subject to a period of reduced or no blood supply. In certain embodiments the organ is subjected to a period of reduced or no blood flow in a surgical procedure. In certain embodiments the organ is subjected to a period of reduced or no blood flow as a consequence of an injury. In certain embodiments the method is performed as a part of a surgical procedure. In certain embodiments the method is performed before implanting the organ into the mammal. In certain embodiments the mammal is a human. In certain embodiments the mammal is a non-human mammal.

[0014] In certain embodiments methods of transporting an organ from a mammal are provided where the methods comprise contacting the organ with a reperfusion protection solution optionally in a regulated reperfusion protocol (e.g., an RHR) as described and/or claimed herein where the contacting/reperfusing is performed during or after transport of the organ.

[0015] In certain embodiments methods of protecting an organ from reperfusion injury are provided where the methods comprise contacting the organ with a reperfusion protection solution optionally in a regulated reperfusion protocol (e.g., an RHR) as described and/or claimed herein where the contacting/reperfusing is performed before exposing the organ to recipient blood.

[0016] In certain embodiments methods of protecting an organ subject to transient ischemia in vivo from reperfusion injury are provided where the methods comprise contacting the organ with a reperfusion protection solution optionally in a regulated reperfusion protocol {e.g., an RHR) as described and/or claimed herein before re-exposing the organ the host blood supply.

DEFINITIONS

[0017] The terms "perfusate" refers to the solution that is used to reperfuse the organ(s) of interest prior to (or during) revascuarlization with host blood. In certain embodiments the perfusate comprises the reperfusion protection solution described herein. In certain embodiments the perfusate comprises a mixture of the reperfusion protection solution and whole blood or a blood fraction or a synthetic blood substitute.

[0018] The term "subject" or "mammal" are intended to include both humans and non-human mammals. Thus, in certain embodiments, subjects or mammals include, but are not limited to humans, non-human primates, canines, equines, felines, porcines, ungulates, lagomorphs, and the like.

[0019] The following abbreviations are used in this example: IRI: ischemia and reperfusion injury; RHR: regulated hepatic reperfusion; WI: warm ischemia; LT: liver transplantation; PRS: post-reperfusion syndrome; and ETC: electron transport chain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 schematically illustrates regulated hepatic reperfusion (RHR) and splenojugular venovenous bypass circuits. An extracorporeal centrifugal pump recirculates the animal's splanchnic venous blood to the heart through a splenojugular venovenous bypass (direction of blood flow shown by white arrows) to avoid congestion of the splanchnic circulation during total portal occlusion (hepatic WI). During RHR, an amount of the animal's splanchnic venous blood is diverted through a Y-connector from the centrifugal pump and mixed with hepatic perfusion solution (H solution) in a 4: 1 dilution ratio (perfusate). Another extracorporeal roller pump recirculates the perfusate through a pediatric oxygenator-heat exchanger and leukoreduction filter before perfusion of the liver through the portal vein (direction of perfusate flow shown by black arrows). The roller pump regulates the reperfusion pressure between 8 and 12 mmHg and the oxygenator/heat exchanger unit maintains the perfusate oxygen saturation to 100% and temperature at 30°C to 32°C.

[0021] Figure 2 shows seven-day animal survival after 2 hours of hepatic warm ischemia by type of reperfusion method. [0022] Figure 3 shows percentage changes from baseline of mean arterial pressure

(MAP) over time by type of reperfusion method.

[0023] Figure 4 shows percentage changes from baseline of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) over time by type of reperfusion method.

[0024] Figure 5 shows mean portal vein pressure over time by type of reperfusion method. POD, postoperative day.

[0025] Figure 6A shows percentage changes from baseline of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) over time by type of reperfusion method. Figure 6B shows percentage changes from baseline of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) over time by type of reperfusion method. Figure 6C shows percentage changes from baseline of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) over time by type of reperfusion method. POD, postoperative day.

[0026] Figure 7 shows myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities at 2 hours, 3 and 7 days after reperfusion by type of reperfusion method. MPO activity is used as an index of neutrophil infiltration in the liver tissue. POD, postoperative day. [0027] Figures 8, panels A-E, show representative intraoperative photos of liver at different time points for both types of reperfusion methods. Panel A: Normal liver color before hepatic warm ischemia (WI). After 2 hours of WI, livers in both the (panel B) control and (panel C) experimental groups changed from normal to a dark-blue ischemic color. At 2 hours after reperfusion, the livers in the (panel D) control group remained cyanotic and the (panel E) regulated hepatic reperfusion group returned to near baseline color.

[0028] Figure 9, panels A-D, show representative photomicrographs at 2 hours after reperfusion. At the 100X magnification, the (panel A) control group showed massive sinusoidal congestion compared with the (panel B) regulated hepatic reperfusion group. (panels C, D). At 400X magnification, (panel C) sinusoidal disruption was seen in the control group. [0029] Figure 10, panels A-D, show representative photomicrographs 3 and 7 days after reperfusion at 400X magnification. Panel A: The control group demonstrated persistent vacuolization and patchy early coagulative hepatocellular necrosis at day 3 and (panel C) patchy hepatocellular dropout and Kupffer cell hypertrophy at day 7. Regulated hepatic reperfusion-treated animal liver histology was unremarkable at postoperative days (panel B) 3 and (panel D) 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In various embodiments a reperfusion protection solution is provided that mitigates or prevents reperfusion injury in an organ subject to an ischemic event (e.g., resection, transplantation, marginal transplantation, graft, etc.). The use of such a solution to mitigate or prevent reperfusion injury in such an organ is also provided.

[0031] The solution can be used to protect transplant organs from reperfusion injury after removal and/or during transport, and/or prior to re-implantation. The solution is also useful to protect marginal transplants and grafts from reperfusion injury. In addition, the solution can be used in vivo to protect organs subjected to a transient ischemic event (e.g., during surgery and/or as a consequence of injury) from reperfusion injury.

[0032] It was a surprising discovery that use of the reperfusion protection solution(s) described herein, particularly in combination with a regulated reperfusion regime (e.g. , regulating pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation of the perfusate) can substantially reduce mortality due to reperfusion injury. While in certain embodiments, the reperfusion protection solution can be used alone, in certain embodiments, the solution is combined with whole blood or with a blood faction or with synthetic blood before being contacted with (reperfused into) the subject organ. In various embodiments the perfusate is depleted (wholly or partially) of leukocytes prior to administration to the subject organ. [0033] The methods and reperfusion protection solution described herein can be used with any of a number of organs. Such organs include, but are not limited to group consisting of a liver, a kidney, a pancreas, a spleen, heart, lungs, skin, intestine, and the like. In certain embodiments the organs include composite tissues. In certain embodiments the solutions and methods described herein are particular well suited to protect liver from reperfusion injury.

[0034] The methods and reperfusion protection solutions described herein can also be used for the protection of composite tissues from reperfusion injury following their transportation and/or prior to attachment or reattachment. Such composite tissues include, but are not limited to, skin, bone, nerves, and the extremities. Illustrative, but non limiting examples of composited tissues include, but are not limited to limbs and extremities (e.g., arms, legs, feet, hands, fingers, toes, noses, ears, and the like). Reperfusion protection solutions.

[0035] In certain embodiments the reperfusion protection solution comprises a buffer; one or more substrates for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) under anaerobic conditions; citrate -phosphate-dextrose (CPD); and one or more amino acids that stabilize cell membranes. In various embodiments the reperfusion protection solution is formulated with a buffer to facilitate regulation of the solution pH. In certain embodiments the pH of the organ reperfusion protection solution typically ranges from about pH 7.8 to about pH 8.6, more preferably from about pH 7.9 or from about pH 8.0 up to about pH 8.6 or up to about pH 8.5, still more preferably from about pH 8.1 up to about pH 8.4.

[0036] Any of a number of physiologically compatible buffers can be used in the reperfusion solutions contemplated herein. Illustrative, but non-limiting examples of buffers include buffers comprising sodium bicarbonate, and/or tromethamine, and/or tham, and/or dichloroacetate. In certain embodiments the buffer comprises tromethamine.

[0037] In various embodiments any one or more of a number of substrates for the synthesis of ATP can be incorporated into the reperfusion protection solution. Such substrates are well known to those of skill in the art and include, but are not limited to aspartate and/or glutamate.

[0038] In various embodiments the one or more amino acids that stabilize cell membranes comprise one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of glycine, lycine, and aspartic acid. However the use of other "protective/stabilizing" naturally occurring (or modified) amino acids is also contemplated. In certain embodiments the one or more amino acids comprises glycine.

[0039] One illustrative formulation, particularly well-suited for reperfusion of hepatic tissue (but not limited to use in hepatic tissues) is shown in Table 1. Without being bound by a particular theory, the proposed action of each of the components is also summarized in Table 1

Table 1. Illustrative composition of reperfusion solution (H solution).

Ingredients Proposed Actions Citrate, phosphate, dextrose (CPD) Reduce concentration of ionized calcium

D-fructose- 1 ,6-biphosphate Preserves the oxidative phosphorylation capacity of hepatic mitochondria substrates for glycolysis

Glycine Stabilizes cell membrane and inhibits

inflammatory cytokines

L-monosodium glutamate A substrate for adenosine triphosphate

production during anaerobic state

L-monosodium aspartate A substrate for adenosine triphosphate

production during anaerobic state

Magnesium sulfate Reduces concentration of ionized calcium

Tromomethamine Buffers the acidotic cellular medium

[0040] The formulation(s) can be prepared simply by combining the various components into a solution according to methods well known to those of skill in the art. In certain embodiments the formulation is assembled from sterile components. Alternatively, or additionally, the reperfusion solution can be sterilized (e.g., in an autoclave). [0041] Illustrative formulation parameters for a reperfusion protection solution are illustrated in Table 2. It will be recognized that these parameters are illustrative and not limiting. Various equivalents, or substantial equivalents, for the components listed in Tables 1 and/or 2 will be known to one of skill in the art. In certain embodiments it is contemplated that the various ranges, range endpoints, or values described herein can be varied by up to 30%, or 20%>, or 10%>, or 5%, or 3%, or 2%, or 1%. In certain embodiments one or more of the components listed in Table 1 and/or 2 can be omitted from the reperfusion protection solution formulation.

Table 2. Illustrative formulation parameters for one liter of reperfusion protection solution (H solution) (pH 8.4).

L-monosodium aspartate, monohydrate 8 g to 12 g 9.8 g glycine 0.2 g to 0.6 g 0.36 g sterile water q.s. 1,000 mL

[0042] These formulations are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Using the teaching provided herein other variant reperfusion protection solutions can be prepared by one of skill in the art, and optionally optimized for use with particular organs.

Use of reperfusion protection solution.

[0043] In various embodiments it is contemplated that the reperfusion solutions described herein can be used to reduce the injury to a tissue (particularly to a solid organ such as a liver, a kidney, a pancreas, a spleen, heart, lungs, skin, intestine, and the like or to various composite tissues, and the like). In various embodiments the reperfusion solutions can be used in a regulated reperfusion protocol (e.g., a protocol regulating pressure and/or temperature, and/or oxygen saturation of the reperfusate). In certain embodiments the reperfusion solutions are used in an RHR protocol.

[0044] In certain embodiments the reperfusion protection solutions alone (or in combination with blood, a blood fraction, and/or a synthetic blood) can be used to perfuse a transplant organ during removal, and/or transport, and/or during or after implantation. In certain embodiments the reperfusion protection solutions alone (or in combination with blood, a blood fraction, and/or a synthetic blood) can be used to reperfuse an organ in a subject where the organ has been denied blood flow or subject to reduced circulation for a period of time. Such reduced (or eliminated) circulation can, for example, be due to vascular occlusion during a surgical procedure or a consequence of an injury and/or cardiac failure. The methods described herein are contemplated to be of use in these and many other contexts.

[0045] In certain embodiments the reperfusion protection solution is utilized in a regulated reperfusion protocol (e.g., a regulated hepatic reperfusion (RHR)). Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a solid organ of a mammal (e.g. , a liver) is reperfused with a perfusate comprising a reperfusion protection solution described herein. In certain embodiments the solution is used alone for reperfusion, while in other embodiments the reperfusion solution is combined with whole blood, a blood fraction, or synthetic blood. In certain embodiments the ratio of whole blood, blood fraction, or synthetic blood to reperfusion protection solution ranges from about 1 : 1 to about 10: 1. In certain

embodiments the ratio of whole blood, blood fraction, or synthetic blood to reperfusion protection solution ranges from about 2: 1 to about 8: 1 or from about 3: 1 to about 6:1, or is about 4: 1. In certain embodiments, particularly where the perfusate includes whole blood or certain blood fractions, leukocytes in the perfusate are reduced or eliminated. For example, in certain embodiments, the leukocytes can be reduced or eliminated using a leukocyte reduction filter.

[0046] In various embodiments the regulated reperfusion protocol involves regulating oxygen content of the perfusate. For example, in certain embodiments, the perfusate can be oxygenated. Thus, reperfusion protection solution according to any one of claims 1-31, wherein said solution is oxygenated. In certain embodiments the perfusate is oxygenated to maintain oxygen saturation at about 100%.

[0047] In various embodiments the regulated reperfusion protocol involves controlling/regulating the pressure at which the perfusate is delivered to the organ being reperfused. In certain embodiments the regulated pressure ranges from about 1 mm Hg, or from about 2 mm Hg up to about 30 mm Hg, or up to about 24 mm Hg. In certain embodiments the regulated pressure ranges from about 4 mm Hg up to about 20 mm Hg, or from about 6 mm Hg up to about 15 mm Hg, or from about 8 mm Hg up to about 12 mm Hg.

[0048] In various embodiments the regulated reperfusion protocol involves controlling/regulating the temperature of the perfusate delivered to the organ. While in some embodiments, the perfusate is maintained and/or delivered at body temperature for the particular mammal, in other embodiments, the perfusate is maintained and/or delivered at a temperature below normal body temperature of the mammal. In certain embodiments the perfusate is at a temperature ranging from about 26°C up to about 35°C, or from about 28°C up to about 34°C, or from about 30°C up to about 32°C. [0049] In various embodiments the regulated reperfusion protocol is performed for a period of time ranging from about 5 minutes or from about 10 minutes up to about 3 hours or up to about 2 hours. In certain embodiments the period of time ranges from about 20 minutes up to about 1 hr, or from about 30 minutes up to about 40 minutes.

[0050] In various embodiments the reperfusion protection solutions described herein can be used in a method of transporting an organ from a subject for transplantation into another subject. In certain embodiments organ(s) of interest are perfused with a perfusate comprising a reperfusion protection solution as described herein. In certain embodiments the organ(s) of interest are subjected to a regulated reperfusion protocol (e.g., as described above and in the Examples provided herein) during or after transport.

[0051] In various embodiments the reperfusion protection solutions described herein can be used to protect an organ subject to transient ischemia (e.g. ischemia due to injury or due to a surgical procedure) in vivo from reperfusion injury. In certain embodiments the ischemic organ(s) are perfused with a perfusate comprising a reperfusion protection solution as described herein. In certain embodiments the ischemic organ(s) are subjected to a regulated reperfusion protocol (e.g. , as described above and in the Examples provided herein) before (or during) re-exposure of the organ(s) to the host blood supply. [0052] The foregoing methods and the methods shown herein in the Examples are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Using the teachings provided herein numerous other uses of the reperfusion protection solutions described herein and numerous variations of the depicted protocols will be available to one of skill in the art and are routinely optimized for use with a particular organ or organ system. [0053] While the methods described herein are described with respect to use in humans, they are also suitable for animal, e.g., veterinary use. Thus certain preferred organisms include, but are not limited to humans, non-human primates, canines, equines, felines, porcines, ungulates, lagomorphs, and the like.

EXAMPLES

[0054] The following examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit the claimed invention.

Example 1

Regulated Hepatic Reperfusion Mitigates Ischemia -Reperfusion Injury and Improves Survival after a Prolonged Liver Warm Ischemia: A Pilot Study on a Novel Concept of

Organ Resuscitation in a Large Animal Model

[0055] Ischemia - reperfusion injury (IRI) can occur during hepatic surgery and transplantation. IRI causes hepatic mitochondrial and microcirculatory impairment, resulting in acute liver dysfunction and failure. A novel strategy of regulated hepatic reperfusion (RHR) described in this example is used to reverse the cellular metabolic deficit that incurred during organ ischemia. The approach utilizes a substrate-enriched, oxygen- saturated, and leukocyte depleted perfusate delivered under regulated reperfusion pressure, temperature and pH. The utility of RHR in mitigating IRI after a prolonged period of warm ischemia is described.

[0056] As described herein using a 2-hour liver WI swine model, two methods of liver reperfusion were compared. Control group (n=6) received conventional reperfusion with unmodified portal venous blood under unregulated reperfusion pressure, temperature, pH. The experimental group (n=6) received RHR. The effects of RHR on post-reperfusion hemodynamic changes, liver function and 7-day animal survival were analyzed.

[0057] As described herein, RHR resulted in 100% survival compared to 50% in the control group (p=0.05). Post-reperfusion syndrome was not observed in the RHR group whereas it occurred in 83% in the control. RHR resulted in lesser degree of change from baseline serum alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) after reperfusion compared to the control group. While histopathological evaluation showed minimal ischemic changes in the RHR group, a significant degree of coagulative hepatocellular necrosis was observed in the control group. Regulated hepatic reperfusion mitigates IRI, facilitates liver function recovery and improves survival after a prolonged period hepatic warm ischemia. This novel strategy has applicability to clinical hepatic surgery and organ transplantation, particularly when marginal grafts are used.

Materials and Methods Animals and Preparation

[0058] All animal care procedures were performed in accordance with the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care formulated by the National Society for Medical Research and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals prepared by the Institute of

Laboratory Animal Resources and published by the National Institute of Health (NIH publication no. 86-23, revised 1996). The UCLA Chancellor's Animal Research Committee approved all protocols.

[0059] After anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, 12 Yorkshire - Duroc pigs, 35 to 40 kg, were mechanically ventilated with respirator settings adjusted to keep oxygen tension, carbon dioxide tension and pH values within normal range. General anesthesia was maintained by intravenous fentanyl (2-3 μg/kg) and isoflurane (0.6-1%). Cefazolin (1 gram) was given intravenously for surgical wound prophylaxis. All procedures were performed using standard aseptic techniques. The left carotid artery was cannulated for arterial pressure measurements and left jugular vein for the Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheter for continuous pulmonary arterial pressure monitoring. The right jugular vein was cannulated (10-12 F, Terumo) for venous return during veno-venous bypass. Following a midline laparotomy incision, the liver was dissected free from its suspensory ligaments, and the portal vein, hepatic artery and bile ducts were dissected and isolated. The splenic vein was cannulated (10-12 F, Terumo) for decompression of splanchnic circulation during portal vein occlusion and a splenectomy was performed. The portal and hepatic veins were also cannulated for venous pressure measurements and blood sampling.

Swine Model of Two- Hour Warm Liver Ischemia

[0060] After collection of baseline liver tissue samples, hemodynamic and biochemical data, the hepatic artery and portal vein were completely occluded for two hours using vascular clamps to induce WI of the liver. Systemic anticoagulation with heparin was initiated before placement of vascular clamps on the portal vein and hepatic artery and maintained until hepatic reperfusion. Heparin was administered intravenously with an initial bolus dose of 10 international units (IU) per kilogram (kg) with subsequent doses at 5 IU/ kg to maintain an activated clotting time (ACT) between 180- 220 seconds.

Extracorporeal circulation was maintained for splanchnic venous decompression via an extracorporeal centrifugal pump (Biomedicus, Minneapolis, MN, USA). After two hours of liver WI, the animal either received the conventional reperfusion method (Control group, n=6) or regulated hepatic reperfusion (Experimental group, n= 6). Upon emergence from general anesthesia, the animals were cared for in the vivarium. Animals were observed for 7 days and daily clinical and biochemical measurements were obtained. On post-operative days 3 and 7, an open liver biopsy and measurements of systemic arterial, hepatic and portal venous pressures were performed under general anesthesia. After completion of the study period, the animals were euthanized under the guidelines and protocols approved by the UCLA Chancellor's Animal Research Committee.

Methods of Hepatic Post- Ischemia Reperfusion

Conventional Method (Control group)

[0061] After two hours of total liver WI, the liver was revascularized with the animal's unmodified portal venous blood by removal of the portal vein clamp. Reperfusion conditions, i.e. perfusion pressure, temperature (37°C), oxygen saturation of portal venous blood (<60%), were not regulated. Twenty minutes after portal venous reperfusion, the hepatic arterial clamp was released to allow arterial perfusion of the liver.

Regulated Hepatic Reperfusion Strategy (Experimental group)

[0062] After two hours of liver WI in the experimental group, the reperfusion of host blood was delayed until after a 30-40 minute period of RHR. Figure 1 shows the circuit set up for RHR and veno-venous bypass. The perfusate (600 cc) was composed of a 4: 1 mixture of host whole blood to hepatic perfusion solution (H solution). The H solution (pH 8.34) contained the following composition per liter: tromethamine, 8.1 grams (g); magnesium sulfate, 12.01 g; citric acid, 0.74 g; sodium citrate, 5.9 g; sodium phosphate, 0.5 g; D-fructose-l,6-biphosphate (FBP) 5.5 g; dextrose, 5.2 g; L-monosodium glutamate, 10.7 g; L-monosodium aspartate, and 9.8 g; glycine 0.36 g. (Table 1). During RHR, an amount of the animal's splanchnic whole blood was diverted through a Y-connector from an extracorporeal centrifugal pump and mixed with the H solution.

[0063] Another extracorporeal roller pump (Sarns, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) recirculated the perfusate through a pediatric oxygenator/heat exchanger (Terumo, Ann

Arbor, MI, USA) to maintain oxygen saturation of the perfusate to 100% and then through a high efficiency leukocyte reduction filter (PALL Corporation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) for leukoreduction prior to perfusion of the liver via the portal vein. The roller blood pump and heat exchanger regulated the reperfusion pressure between 8- 12 mmHg and perfusate temperature 30°C to 32 °C, respectively. After completion of RHR, the portal vein was decannulated and portal venotomy repaired. The portal venous blood flow was reestablished followed by hepatic arterialization 20 minutes later, as in the control group.

Survival Outcome and Hemodynamic Measures

[0064] The primary endpoint of the study was 7-day animal survival after post- ischemia reperfusion. Secondary outcome measures included the incidence of post- reperfusion syndrome, liver function, and histological assessment of liver parenchyma. Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS) was defined as a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of > 30% from baseline within 5 minutes of reperfusion of liver and lasting for at least 1 minute in duration, or various combinations of bradyarrhythmias, hypotension, decreased vascular resistance, increased cardiac filling pressures with high pulmonary arterial pressures (Aggarwal et al. (1987) Transpl. Proc, 19: 54-55). Assessment of Hepatocellular Damage

[0065] Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured at baseline (prior to liver WI), at the end of the 2-hour WI period, at 15 minutes interval during the first 2 hours after reperfusion and daily until post-operative day 7. An auto analyzer by ANTECH Diagnostics (Los Angeles) was used to measure the blood chemistry tests.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) Assay

[0066] MPO is a naturally occurring constituent of neutrophils and is frequently used as a marker for neutrophil infiltration in hepatic tissue (Kato et al. (2000) Am. J.

Pathol., 157: 297-302). Frozen tissue was thawed and suspended in iced 0.5%

hexadecyltrimethylammonium and 50 mmol potassium phosphate buffer solution (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA), of pH 5. After samples were homogenized and centrifuged, 0.1 mL of the supernatant was mixed in the solution of hydrogen peroxide-sodium acetate and tetramethyl benzidine (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) One unit of myeloperoxidase activity was defined as the quantity of enzyme that degraded Ιμιηοΐ peroxide per minute at 25 °C per gram of tissue.

Histology

[0067] Liver tissue biopsy was obtained at baseline (prior to liver WI), at the end of the 2-hour WI period, 2-hour post- reperfusion, and post -operative days 3 and 7. Liver specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution and embedded in paraffin.

Sections were made at 4 μιη, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed for histological evidence of sinusoidal congestion, necrosis, and vacuolation (Monbaliu et al. (2008) Liver Transpl, 14: 1256-1265). An experienced pathologist, blinded to the method of reperfusion, reviewed all biopsy samples. Statistical analysis

[0068] Survival curves were computed using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using log rank tests. Mean percent changes were compared between groups across time using repeated measures ANOVA after confirming normality. Normality assumption was confirmed by constructing residual quantile-quantile (q-q) plots. Proportions were compared using the exact chi-square test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software, version 9.1 (SAS Institute). Results

Animal Survival

[0069] The 7-day survival curves for the RHR and control groups are shown in

Figure 2. Survival was 100% in the RHR compared to 50% in the control. All deaths in the control group occurred within 60 minutes after liver reperfusion due to cardiac arrest refractory to resuscitation.

Hemodynamic Profile Analysis and Post -Reperfusion Syndrome

[0070] Figure 3 compares the effects of the two methods of reperfusion on systemic arterial pressure for the duration of the study. The percentage changes from baseline systemic arterial pressure during the 2-hour warm ischemic period were comparable between the RHR and control groups (P=0.833). However, there was a significant difference in the hemodynamic stability after reperfusion. While no animal in the RHR group developed post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS), 5 of 6 animals in the control group experienced PRS (0%> vs. 83%, P=0.015). During post-operative measurements of systemic mean arterial pressure (MAP), the RHR group showed no significant change from baseline level at post-operative day 3 and improved at 7 days after reperfusion. In the control group, there was a 55% decreased in MAP from baseline at 30 minutes after reperfusion that remained below baseline level for the duration of the study (Figure 4).

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the percent changes of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) from baseline were similar for both groups during the 2 hour warm ischemic period (P=0.704).

[0072] While the mPAP in the RHR group increased by 20% from baseline at 30 minutes post-reperfusion, the mPAP returned to baseline level at 75 minutes after reperfusion. In the control group, the mPAP increase by 92% at 5 minutes, by 104% at 15 minutes after reperfusion and remained elevated at 7 days after reperfusion.

[0073] Figure 5 compares the reperfusion and post-reperfusion portal vein pressures between the RHR and control group. In the RHR group, the mean reperfusion pressure ranged between 8-12 mmHg and was maintained after reperfusion. In contrast, the mean portal vein pressure in the control group tended to be higher during the initial and late phases of reperfusion (P=0.105). Biochemical Analysis

[0074] The degree of hepatocellular damage between the RHR and control groups are compared in Figures 6A-6C . The percentage changes from baseline level of serum ALT (Figure 6A), AST (Figure 6B), and LDH (Figure 6C) levels were significantly lower in the RHR compared to the control group.

Neutrophil Infiltration

[0075] We evaluated the role of leukocyte filtration on neutrophil infiltration within the liver parenchyma by assessing MPO activity, an index of neutrophil infiltration. MPO activity was significantly reduced in RHR treated group compared to the control group at 2 hours and 3 days after reperfusion. The MPO activity was similar on post-operative day 7 in both groups (Figure 7).

Gross and Histological Analysis

[0076] Representative photos of livers at different time points for both groups are shown in Figure 8. After 2 hours of warm ischemia, livers in both groups changed from normal to a dark blue ischemic color. After reperfusion, the livers in the RHR group returned to near baseline color while the control group remained cyanotic at 2 hours post- reperfusion. Corresponding histology at 2 hours post-reperfusion are shown (Figure 9). Compared to the RHR group, the control group showed massive sinusoidal congestion at 100X magnification. In addition, sinusoidal disruption was seen at 400X magnification in the control group.

[0077] The histologic findings on post-operative days 3 and 7 at 400X

magnification are shown in Figure 10. At post-operative day 3, there was no demonstrable hepatocellular injury in the RHR- treated group whereas the control group showed vacuolization of 40-50% of hepatocytes and patchy coagulative hepatocellular necrosis. While the histologic findings at post-operative day 7 were normal for the RHR group, the control group demonstrated patchy hepatocellular drop-out and Kupffer cell hypertrophy.

DISCUSSION

[0078] IRI is a dynamic process that involves interrelated and overlapping cytotoxic mechanisms resulting in ischemic organ damage and immunologically- mediated reperfusion injury. While potential interventions to mitigate the immunological and inflammatory responses to reperfusion injury of the liver have been studied (Busuttil et al. (2011) Am. J. Transplant, 11 : 786-797; Fondevila et al. (2009) Am. J. Transplant, 9: 2240- 2250), data on the effects of metabolic resuscitation of ischemic hepatocytes to preserve liver function remain scarce. Warm ischemia results in a state of severe cellular metabolic debt that compromises hepatocytes and makes these cells vulnerable to reperfusion injury and subsequent cell death. Previous reports in heart and lung experimental models and clinical studies showed that modification of reperfusion technique and perfusate resulted in improvement of organ function after WI (Fondevila et al. (2009) Am. J. Transplant, 9: 2240-2250; Beyersdorf et al. (1989) J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., 98: 112-126; Schnickel et al. (2006) J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., 131 : 218-223; Luciani et al. (2911) J. Heart Lung Transplant, 30: 29-36; Halldorsson et al. (2000) Ann. Thorac. Surg., 69: 198-203;

discussion 4). We proposed a novel hepatocyte resuscitative concept to attenuate the adverse effects of reperfusion injury. Our study demonstrated that RHR facilitated recovery of hepatocytes from WI injury, improved liver function and survival compared to a conventional method of reperfusion in a large animal model.

[0079] The two elements of RHR are the perfusate and regulation of reperfusion milieu. The composition of the perfusate aims to replenish energy substrate, stabilize the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane, and deliver oxygen to ischemic cells. The perfusate contained tromethamine (buffers the acidotic cellular medium) (Liedtke et al. (1976) Circulation Res., 39: 378-387; Castella et al. (2003) J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., 126: 1442-1448), citrate, phosphate, dextrose and magnesium (reduce concentration of ionized calcium) (Fukuhiro et al. (2000) Circulation, 102: 319-325); aspartate and glutamate (substrates for adenosine triphosphate production during anaerobic state) (Leverve (2007) Crit. Care Med., 35: S454-460); glycine (stabilizes cell membrane and inhibits inflammatory cytokines) (Sheth et al. (2011) J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 26: 194- 200); D-fructose-l,6-biphosphate (preserves the oxidative phosphorylation capacity of hepatic mitochondria and substrates for glycolysis) (Sano et al. (1995) Gastroenterology, 108: 1785-1792; de Fraga et al. (2011) Transplant Proc, 43: 1468-1473), and whole blood. A 4: 1 mixture of whole blood-to-H solution provides an oxygen carrying capacity to the perfusate. While previous studies have shown deleterious effects of high oxygen content in the generation of oxygen superoxide radicals upon reperfusion of ischemic tissues, these experiments used unmodified blood for reperfusion (McCord et al. (1985) N. Engl. J. Med. 312: 159-163; Parks et al. (1983) Surgery, 94: 428-432). Our study demonstrated that oxygen-saturated perfusate resulted in improvement of liver function after WI. A possible explanation could be that ischemic cells receiving a substrate- enriched perfusate require higher quantity of oxygen to maintain metabolic function compered to cells that receives unmodified host blood.

[0080] Migration of leukocytes during the initial stages of reperfusion is a key event in acute inflammatory liver injury and contributes to tissue dysfunction during reperfusion (Jaeschke and Hasegawa (2006) Liver Int., 26: 912-919; Gopalan et al. (1997) J. Immunol, 158: 367-375; Rothlein et al. (1986) J. Immunol, 137: 1270-1274). Leukodepletion has been reported to reduce leukocyte -medicated injury in experimental models (Fruhauf et al. (2004) Eur. Surg. Res., 36: 83-87; Wamser et al. (2993) Transplant Int., 16: 191-196) and clinical lung transplantation (Schnickel et al. (2006) J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., 131 : 218- 223; Lick et al. (2000) Ann. Thorac. Surg., 69: 910-912). Our findings also support the beneficial role of leukocyte filtration in reducing neutrophil infiltration in the liver parenchyma during the early cellular recovery. Compared to the control group, there was a significant reduction of MPO activity in the RHR group from the time of liver reperfusion to 3 days after revascularization. [0081] RHR also addresses the important role of cellular environment (reperfusion pressure, temperature pH) on hepatocyte viability upon revascularization. The optimal hepatic reperfusion pressure to facilitate hepatocyte recovery and minimize further sinusoidal endothelial injury has been unclear. While high reperfusion pressure aggravates the ischemic injury to sinusoidal endothelial cells, it is imperative to have a perfusion pressure that could overcome the flow resistance present in an ischemic organ for complete delivery and distribution of perfusate to all areas of the liver. We regulated the hepatic reperfusion pressure between 8-12 mmHg during the initial reperfusion phase to avoid exposure of ischemic hepatocytes to high portal reperfusion pressure due to stagnation of splanchnic circulation commonly seen in cirrhotic patients and during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation. Reperfusion pressure of the liver within this range resulted in compete distribution of perfusate in the liver (Figure 8) and excellent liver function.

[0082] The effects of varying temperatures on cellular metabolic activities have been studied extensively (Biberthaler et al. (2001) Transplantation, 72: 1486-1490). To attenuate ischemic injury, hypothermia is used for the preservation of liver grafts and has been applied during hepatic resection under total hepatic vascular exclusion (Former et al. (1974) Ann. Surg., 180: 644-652; Hannoun et a/. (1996) J. Am. Coll. Surg., 183: 597-605). Previous studies reported that moderate hypothermia (26°C to 34°C) effectively protects the liver microcirculation during liver WI compared to hypothermia at 4°C (Biberthaler et al. (2001) Transplantation, 72: 1486-1490; Heijnen et al. (2003) Surgery, 134: 806-817). Our technique allowed regional delivery of moderate hypothermia to the liver while maintaining the core body temperature of the animal within physiologic range, an aspect of RHR that can readily be applied in the clinical setting. [0083] The present study aims to address an important practice gap in the mitigation hepatic IRI from a prolonged period of WI injury. The experimental design utilized a swine model because it shares similar hepatic and cardiovascular physiology with humans and thus, information gained would facilitate transfer of its application to various clinical settings. During hepatic surgery, RHR may allow a longer period of portal inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver) to minimize intraoperative blood loss and improve post-operative liver function. When organs from marginal or extended criteria donors are used in LT, RHR could be used to resuscitate these grafts prior to reperfusion of the patient's portal venous blood. This method could also be applied during deceased donor organ procurement after cardiac death, instituting RHR after asystole to reverse donor WI injury prior organ preservation and storage. In addition to its potential benefits in attenuating hepatic IRI, RHR could also provide a platform for delivery of new molecules or agents that have synergistic or additive properties in mitigating IRI. Lastly, further investigation on the use of an artificial oxygen-carrying blood substitute in place of the blood component of the perfusate would have clinical application. [0084] In conclusion, the conventional method of liver reperfusion after a period of

WI exposes ischemic cells to endotoxin-rich host portal blood under elevated portal pressure resulting in a severe hepatic IRI and cellular necrosis. We propose a novel organ resuscitative strategy after WI using an energy substrate-enriched, leukocyte-depleted, oxygen-saturated perfusate delivered in a pressure, and temperature -controlled milieu to attenuate IRI. Our study shows that RHR mitigates IRI, facilitates liver function recovery and improves survival after prolonged warm ischemia. This novel strategy has applicability to clinical hepatic surgery and liver transplantation, particularly when marginal grafts are used.

[0085] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.