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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Ultrasound-Guided Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Implantation in Myocardial Infarcted Mice
Published on: March 30, 2022
Skeletal myoblast transplantation: no MAGIC bullet for ischemic cardiomyopathy
1Division of Cardiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
Insights
Stem cell therapy for heart failure using skeletal myoblasts did not improve ventricular function in the MAGIC trial. High doses showed potential anti-remodeling effects but increased ventricular arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Therapy
Background:
- Current end-stage heart failure treatments like transplantation and ventricular assist devices have limitations.
- Stem cell therapy offers a potential alternative for myocardial regeneration.
- Previous studies using bone marrow stem cells or skeletal myoblasts have not shown improved ventricular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of skeletal myoblast transplantation for myocardial regeneration in patients with heart failure.
- To assess the impact of different doses of skeletal myoblasts on left ventricular function and cardiac remodeling.
Main Methods:
- The MAGIC trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- Patients with myocardial infarction undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery received high-dose, low-dose, or placebo skeletal myoblasts injected into the myocardium.
- Left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular dimensions were assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction was observed between cell-treated groups and controls.
- Patients receiving high-dose skeletal myoblasts showed a decrease in ventricular dimensions, suggesting a potential anti-remodeling effect.
- An increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was noted in patients who received skeletal myoblasts compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal myoblast therapy did not improve ventricular function in this patient population.
- While high-dose myoblasts may have anti-remodeling properties, the increased risk of arrhythmias requires further investigation.
- Alternative stem cell strategies or delivery methods may be necessary for effective cardiac regeneration.
Abstract:
Therapies for end-stage heart failure are limited by the donor shortage for heart transplantation and the shortcomings of left ventricular assist devices for destination therapy. Treatments that use stem cells to 'rebuild' the myocardium are, therefore, desirable. Such therapies use either stem cells derived from bone marrow or skeletal myoblasts. In clinical trials, however, neither method of administration has demonstrated an improvement in ventricular function. The MAGIC trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled study of high and low doses of skeletal myoblasts injected into the myocardium of patients with MI undergoing CABG surgery. No difference in left ventricular ejection fraction was noted in the cell-treated groups when compared with controls, although patients who received the high dose of myoblasts had a decrease in ventricular dimensions, raising the possibility of an antiremodeling effect. A higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was observed in the myoblast groups than in control patients.
