Stem cell therapy in the heart: Biomaterials as a key route

Mohammad Reza Hashemzadeh1, Mohammad Ehsan Taghavizadeh Yazdi2, Mohammad Sadegh Amiri3

  • 1Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Royesh Stem Cell Biotechnology Institute, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Tissue & Cell
|February 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Regenerative medicine for heart disease uses stem cells and biomaterials. This review explores natural products to enhance stem cell therapy for cardiovascular repair, addressing limitations of current treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality.
  • Conventional treatments primarily manage heart failure progression.
  • Regenerative medicine offers novel cellular and noncellular therapeutic strategies for cardiac repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of stem cells in cardiac regenerative therapy.
  • To highlight the limitations of current stem cell delivery and integration methods.
  • To evaluate natural products as supportive agents for stem cell-based cardiovascular regeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of stem cell types (pluripotent and adult) for cardiac applications.
  • Analysis of challenges in stem cell therapy, including tissue integration and retention.
  • Exploration of biomaterials and natural products to overcome therapeutic obstacles.

Main Results:

  • Noncellular approaches (exosomes, miRNAs, growth factors) have limitations in reversing myocardial damage.
  • Stem cell therapy holds promise but faces hurdles like inefficient delivery and poor cell retention.
  • Biomaterials and natural products are crucial for improving stem cell efficacy and integration in the cardiac environment.

Conclusions:

  • Stem cell therapy is indispensable for reversing necrotic or ischemic myocardium.
  • Biomaterials offer a key route to address challenges in cardiac repair and stem cell delivery.
  • Natural products show potential to enhance stem cell function in cardiovascular regenerative medicine.