Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: Promising therapy for heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome characterized by the reduced capacity of the heart to adequately fill or eject blood. Currently, HF remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. Recent advancements have highlighted the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in managing HF. Notably, umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) have demonstrated superior clinical potential compared to traditional bone marrow-derived MSCs; this is evident in their non-invasive collection process, higher proliferation efficacy, and lower immunogenicity and tumorigenicity, as substantiated by preclinical studies. Although the feasibility and safety of UC-MSCs have been tested in animal models, the application of UC-MSCs in HF treatment remains challenged by issues such as inaccurate targeted migration and low survival rates of UC-MSCs. Therefore, further research and clinical trials are imperative to advance the clinical application of UC-MSCs.