Stem cell therapy for heart failure

Heart Fail Clin. 2015 Apr;11(2):275-86. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2014.12.006.

Abstract

"During the past decade, studies in animals and humans have suggested that cell therapy has positive effects for the treatment of heart failure. This clinical effect may be mediated by angiogenesis and reduction in fibrosis rather than by regeneration of myocytes. Increased microvasculature and decreased scar also likely lead to improved cardiac function in the failing heart. The effects of cell therapy are not limited to one type of cell or delivery technique. Well-designed, large-scale, randomized clinical trials with objective end points will help to fully realize the therapeutic potential of cell-based therapy for treating heart failure."

Keywords: Clinical trials; Delivery; Heart failure; Stem cell.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Fibrosis / pathology
  • Fibrosis / therapy
  • Heart Failure* / pathology
  • Heart Failure* / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Heart Function Tests
  • Humans
  • Myocardium / pathology*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*