Intramyocardial implantation of CD133+ stem cells improved cardiac function without bypass surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Therapy

Background:

• Cell transplantation aids myocardial regeneration and cardiac function post-myocardial infarction.
• Previous studies combined cell therapy with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), obscuring stem cell contribution.
• This study assesses CD133+ stem cell transplantation without CABG for safety, feasibility, and cardiac function benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of CD133+-enriched stem cell transplantation in patients with end-stage chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy.
• To assess the potential beneficial effects of stem cell therapy on cardiac function without concomitant CABG.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction <22%) underwent autologous bone marrow-derived CD133+ cell transplantation.
• CD133+ cells were purified using the CliniMACS device (up to 99% purity).
• Cardiac function was assessed via MRI before and 3, 6, and 9 months post-transplantation.

Main Results:

• CD133+ stem cell injection into ischemic myocardium was safe and feasible.
• All patients showed improved heart function, transitioning from NYHA/CCS class III-IV to I-II.
• Mean ejection fraction increased from 15.8% pre-procedure to 24.8% post-procedure.

Conclusions:

• Autologous CD133+ stem cell transplantation alone is safe and improves cardiac function in severe ischemic heart failure.
• This approach presents a potential alternative to medical management for patients unsuitable for conventional revascularization.
• The findings support stem cell therapy as a viable option for myocardial regeneration.