Cortical Bone Stem Cell Therapy Preserves Cardiac Structure and Function After Myocardial Infarction

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Cortical bone stem cells (CBSCs) demonstrated efficacy in reducing ventricular remodeling and improving cardiac function in murine myocardial infarction (MI) models.
• CBSC effects surpassed other stem cell types used in early clinical trials.
• Previous studies lacked preclinical validation in large animal models for patient-relevant approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transendocardial injection of allogeneic CBSCs in reducing pathological remodeling and preventing heart failure post-MI in a swine model.
• To assess the impact of CBSCs on cardiac structure and function following induced myocardial infarction.

Main Methods:

• Swine underwent ischemia-reperfusion MI via left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion.
• Animals received randomized, blinded transendocardial injections of CBSCs (n=9) or placebo (vehicle; n=9).
• Cardiac structure and function were assessed using serial echocardiography and invasive hemodynamics at 3 months post-MI, with initial injury and cell retention evaluated at 72 hours.

Main Results:

• CBSCs were detected and proliferating in the MI border zone at 72 hours but did not affect initial injury.
• At 3 months, CBSC treatment significantly reduced scar size, decreased myocyte size, and increased myocyte nuclear density.
• Left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction were better preserved in CBSC-treated hearts, with improved cardiac functional reserve.

Conclusions:

• CBSC administration into the MI border zone effectively mitigates pathological cardiac remodeling.
• Treatment improves left ventricular functional reserve and reduces processes leading to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
• CBSCs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for post-myocardial infarction recovery.