Application of adipose-derived stem cells in heart disease

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2014 Oct;7(7):651-63. doi: 10.1007/s12265-014-9585-1. Epub 2014 Sep 10.

Abstract

Therapy with mesenchymal stem cells is one of the promising tools to improve outcomes after myocardial infarction. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are an ideal source of mesenchymal stem cells due to their abundance and ease of preparation. Studies in animal models of myocardial infarction have demonstrated the ability of injected ASCs to engraft and differentiate into cardiomyocytes and vasculature cells. ASCs secrete a wide array of angiogenic and anti-apoptotic paracrine factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor 1. ASCs are capable of enhancing heart function, reducing myocardial infarction, promoting vascularization, and reversing remodeling in the ischemically injured hearts. Furthermore, several ongoing clinical trials using ASCs are producing promising results for heart diseases. This article reviews the isolation, differentiation, immunoregulatory properties, mechanisms of action, animal models, and ongoing clinical trials of ASCs for cardiac disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Separation
  • Cell Survival
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Graft Survival
  • Heart Diseases / genetics
  • Heart Diseases / immunology
  • Heart Diseases / metabolism
  • Heart Diseases / pathology
  • Heart Diseases / physiopathology
  • Heart Diseases / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / immunology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Paracrine Communication
  • Recovery of Function
  • Regeneration
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome