Cellular cardiomyoplasty for myocardial infarction: a 2014 evidence-based update

Myocardial infarction is one of the main cause of mortality in many countries. Therefore, an effective therapy for myocardial infarction is required. Reperfusion and other conventional therapy have been the mainstay therapy for myocardial infarction. However, many patients remain refractory to this therapy. Cellular cardiomyoplasty is considered a novel therapy, in which stem cells are used for cardiac repair. Stem cells are potential therapeutic approach that could be the ultimate solution for salvaging damaged cardiomyocyte. Based on current studies, stem cells are a promising therapeutic approach for myocardial infarction. However, some challenges need to be answered by future studies before this novel therapy can be widely applied. As we advance our understanding, all questions behind stem cell therapy would finally be revealed, and eventually provide the ultimate solution for ischaemic cardiac repair. This paper provide an overview of the latest progress in stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction.