Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of mortality due to the heart’s limited ability to regenerate after myocardial infarction. Conventional treatments manage symptoms and prevent further damage but do not address the loss of cardiomyocytes.
Stem cell therapies have been proposed as a possible approach to cardiac regeneration, with ongoing research evaluating their efficacy.
A systematic review analyzed studies on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in cardiac repair. Trials such as Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cell Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction (BAMI) and Cardiopoietic Stem Cell Therapy in Heart Failure (C-CURE) have reported improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and reductions in infarct size.
Strategies such as genetic engineering and extracellular vesicle therapy are being explored to enhance stem cell survival and differentiation, potentially improving clinical outcomes. Additionally, imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans provide real-time monitoring of stem cell therapy effects, offering insights into safety and efficacy.
Preclinical models and early-phase trials suggest potential benefits for IHD. This research and clinical advancements will be key in assessing the role of stem cell-based approaches in cardiac repair.
