Administration of stem cells against cardiovascular diseases with a focus on molecular mechanisms: Current knowledge

Mohammad Karimian1, Negar Nouri2, Leila Vafadar Ghasemi3

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Tissue & Cell
|January 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Stem cell therapies, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show promise for treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by regenerating heart tissue. This review explores their mechanisms, benefits, and challenges for heart repair.

Area of Science:

  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Stem Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for CVDs have limitations, necessitating novel approaches.
  • Stem cell-based therapies offer a promising avenue for cardiac regeneration and repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the application of stem cells, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), in treating cardiovascular diseases.
  • To detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell efficacy in cardiac repair.
  • To critically evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives of stem cell therapy for CVDs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing laboratory and clinical studies on stem cell therapies for CVDs.
  • Analysis of the regenerative properties, proliferative capacity, and differentiation potential of iPSCs and MSCs.
  • Examination of the cellular and molecular pathways involved in stem cell-mediated cardiac regeneration.

Main Results:

  • Stem cells, particularly iPSCs and MSCs, possess inherent regenerative capabilities beneficial for heart repair.
  • These stem cells can differentiate into cardiomyocytes, enhancing cardiovascular function and promoting heart regeneration.
  • Numerous studies confirm the efficacy and safety of iPSC and MSC-based treatments for CVDs.

Conclusions:

  • Stem cell therapy, utilizing iPSCs and MSCs, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for optimizing therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research and clinical translation are essential to fully realize the potential of stem cells in combating CVDs.

Related Concept Videos

Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration01:21

Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration

Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
4.1K
Mesenchymal Stem Cells01:19

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their...
4.9K
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
3.3K
Stem Cell Culture01:17

Stem Cell Culture

Stem cell research aims to find ways to use stem cells to regenerate and repair cellular damage. Over time, most adult cells undergo the wear and tear of aging and lose their ability to divide and repair themselves. Stem cells do not display a particular morphology or function. Adult stem cells, which exist as a small subset of cells in most tissues, keep dividing and can differentiate into a number of specialized cells generally formed by that tissue. These cells enable the body to renew and...
5.3K