Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
throughout the last decade an increasing number of investigators
accepted the challenge of heart cell transplantation in humans as a
way to restore heart function. Different cell types were studied as
candidates for heart cellular therapy, including SkMs [5-8], bone
marrow (BM) cells [9, 10], smooth muscle cells [11, 12], and heart
cells [13-15]. Various studies gave various results, due in part to the
homogenous methodological model, the cell types, and the route of
cell administration.
In this review article, we will focus on stem cell therapy in clinical
trials of acute and chronic myocardial infarction and the cell source,
routes and methods of cell delivery, functional results, mechanisms
involved, and possible rose.
3.2
Safety and Feasibility of Cell Transplantation
The existence of immature/stem cells in adults, discovered 50
years ago in the BM by Becker [16] and Friedenstein [17], opens
new perspectives on the use of these cells to restore the function of
damaged tissues.
Nowadays, it is recognized that stem/progenitor cells are present
almost in every tissue of the body. In the last decade, many different
adult stem cells types have been studied as a new cardiomyogenic
source for cardiac tissue regeneration: SkMs, mononuclear and BM-
derived cells, mesenchymal stromal cells from adipose tissue, and
endothelial and cardiac progenitors.
Each cell type has specific features, and the choice of the more
appropriate cell type for tissue regeneration and organ function
restoration must consider the characteristics of the disease. For
example, for patients with an advanced stage of ischemic heart
failure or early postinfarction, which urgently needs the restoring of
contractile function, the more logical option could be the delivering
of cells with contractile properties, like SkMs or cardiac progenitor
cells (CPCs). On the other hand, in a chronic ischemia condition the
possibility to induce the generation of new vessels seems to be the
best option, and cells with pro-angiogenic potential, like BM-derived
cells or endothelial progenitors, should be an optimal choice.
SkMs have been one of the first cell candidates for cardiac
regeneration in animal studies and clinical trials. In a clinical
perspective these cells show some interesting features. In particular,
