Stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis: mechanisms, challenges, and future directions

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) and atherosclerosis (AS) are leading global causes of mortality.
• Current stem cell therapies offer symptomatic relief but not complete functional regeneration of cardiac and vascular tissues.
• Key challenges for clinical translation include poor stem cell survival and uncontrolled differentiation post-transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review stem cell classifications, characteristics, and mechanisms.
• To outline pathological features of MI and AS and limitations of conventional treatments.
• To discuss challenges and potential solutions for advancing stem cell therapy in clinical practice for MI and AS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review and analysis.
• Description of stem cell properties and action mechanisms.
• Examination of MI and AS pathology and current therapeutic limitations.

Main Results:

• Stem cell therapy demonstrates potential in reversing pathological processes via tissue repair, angiogenesis, and immune modulation.
• Identified critical hurdles in clinical translation: low cell survival and differentiation control.
• Highlighted the need for precise, intelligent, and systematic approaches to stem cell therapy.

Conclusions:

• Stem cell therapy holds significant potential for treating myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis.
• Overcoming challenges in cell survival and differentiation is crucial for successful clinical translation.
• Future developments are expected to foster multidisciplinary innovation for advanced stem cell therapies.