[Use of stem cells for myocardial regeneration]

Remodelling of the left ventricle after myocardial infarction is a major cause of the heart failure development with possible death. Despite application of pharmacological, catheter and surgical interventions and the use of new mechanical devices, the myocardium lost during myocardial infarction cannot be regenerated. Implantation of bone-marrow stem cells into the heart might be a new method to restore myocardial viability. In animal experiments, attempts to replace fibrotic zone by transplanting stem cells have regularly succeeded in reconstituting myocardial structure--cardiomyocytes and capillary vessels. Repair of myocardium using bone-marrow derived multipotent stem cells was shown in experimental and in the first few clinical studies. Current status of our knowledge about the use of stem cells in the myocardial regeneration is described in this article, as well as the cautions, which are necessary during early period of this mode of treatment in humans.