Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Delayed Intramyocardial Delivery of Stem Cells after Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in a Murine Model
Published on: September 3, 2020
Endogenous stem cells in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Olena Dotsenko1, Marjan Jahangiri
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, St. George's Hospital, University of London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Considerable research efforts have recently been made towards the application of autologous stem cell therapy for cardiovascular regeneration. Patients with coronary artery disease undergoing surgery represent a potential target. As yet, this approach has failed to obtain satisfactory evidence in clinical studies. However, several observational studies have described mobilising effect of cardiac surgery on endogenous stem cells, although the mechanisms of this phenomenon and its clinical relevance are not defined. This article reviews available clinical data on the effect of cardiac surgery on endogenous stem cells and outlines some of the controversies in this area.
Insights
Cardiac surgery may mobilize stem cells, but its effectiveness for cardiovascular regeneration needs more research. Current clinical evidence for autologous stem cell therapy remains inconclusive, despite ongoing investigations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular regeneration
- Stem cell biology
- Cardiac surgery
Background:
- Autologous stem cell therapy is being explored for cardiovascular regeneration.
- Clinical studies on this approach have yielded unsatisfactory results.
- Cardiac surgery is known to mobilize endogenous stem cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical data on the impact of cardiac surgery on endogenous stem cells.
- To outline current controversies regarding this phenomenon.
- To assess the potential for stem cell mobilization in cardiac surgery patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical studies and observational data.
- Analysis of the effects of cardiac surgery on endogenous stem cell populations.
- Discussion of the proposed mechanisms and clinical relevance.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests cardiac surgery can mobilize endogenous stem cells.
- The precise mechanisms and clinical significance of this mobilization are not well-defined.
- Current clinical data on autologous stem cell therapy for cardiovascular regeneration is insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac surgery's effect on endogenous stem cells warrants further investigation.
- Understanding these mechanisms could inform future regenerative strategies.
- More robust clinical trials are needed to validate stem cell therapies for cardiac repair.

