Regenerative medicine in cardiovascular diseases - an update

The unique ability of regenerative medicine to differentiate into any cell of the three germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm) is of immense clinical importance. They have an unique capacity for unlimited self-renewal. Furthermore, pluripotent stem cells (PSC), including human embryonic (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), hold great potential as an unlimited source of functional as well as transplantable cells applications. Specifically, in the context of cardiovascular and ischemic diseases, it is believed that hESC-derived endothelial cells (hESC- ECs) could be used to stimulate angiogenesis or vasculogenesis in ischemic tissues, thereby restoring blood supply to the affected area. The present review article is focused on the current aspects of the regenerative medicine during cardiac disorders.