The Role of Stem Cells in Cardiac Regeneration

Introduction

In the world, most deaths occur due to cardiovascular diseases. After any injury or illness, the human heart cannot regenerate, posing a significant challenge in treating these conditions. The medical therapy, medications, and other surgical treatments will provide symptomatic relief to the patient and prevent further disease progression. However, the damaged or injured part of the heart fails to restore or repair. In recent years, stem cells have emerged as an optimistic view for cardiac repair and promoting cardiac regeneration. Stem cells divide into various types of heart cells, which build or repair the injured heart. These cells also enhance the blood supply and function of the heart. In addition, they promise to treat various heart conditions such as heart failure and heart attack. The article discusses stem cells, their types, and their role in cardiac regeneration.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells can divide and transform into various types of cells in the body. The cells can be transformed into different cell types or tissues found in the organs or systems, such as muscle cells, heart cells, or brain cells. They can restore the injured part of the body.

What Are the Types of Stem Cells Used in Cardiac Regeneration?

The three main types of stem cells used in cardiac regeneration are as follows:

• Embryonic Stem Cells: These stem cells are generated during the early stages of development and develop from embryos. The other name for embryonic stem cells is pluripotent means these cells can transform into any cell in the body along with all the three layers such as ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

• Adult Stem Cell: It is also called somatic stem cell. The ability of these stem cells is not the same as embryonic stem cells. They cannot transform into any cell in the body. They can convert into limited types of cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and neural stem cells. According to their names, hematopoietic stem cells can form into all blood cells, and mesenchymal stem cells can transform into bone, cartilage, and fat cells. Neural stem cells can generate glial cells.

• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: These are the same as embryonic stem cells, but the difference is that the pluripotent stem cells are generated outside the human body and then inserted back into the body.

What Is the Role of Stem Cells in Cardiac Regeneration?

The primary role of stem cells is to restore the injured part of the heart, which will help manage the heart's vitality and function. Various heart conditions, such as heart failure and heart attack, are also managed by stem cells. After medical therapy and medications, the heart muscle cannot repair itself. To overcome the problem of regeneration and repair, stem cells come into play. When the healthcare provider inserts the stem cells into the destructed heart tissue, the role of stem cells is described below:

• Differentiate Into Cardiomyocytes: Stem cells can transform into any type of cell called cardiomyocytes, such as heart muscle cells. They are also called heart contractile cells. The new heart muscle cells can lead to restore and repair the injured heart muscle.

• Promote Blood Vessel Formation: New blood vessels formed. By doing this, the function of the heart will be enhanced. The process of formation of new blood vessels is called angiogenesis.

• Release Growth Factors: Stem cells provide signals to nearby cells so that they can take part in the regeneration process. The healing process is improved by releasing growth factors.

What Heart Conditions Can Get Benefit From Stem Cells-Based Therapies?

Various heart conditions can benefit from stem cell-based therapies by preserving heart function.

• In the case of a myocardial infarction called a heart attack, the stem cells regenerate the injured part of the heart and preserve its function.

• In the case of ischemic heart disease, the obstructed coronary arteries cause impaired blood flow. The stem cells will create new blood vessels and improve the blood supply to the heart.

• In heart failure, the pumping system of the heart is affected. The stem cells will restore the injured myocardium and improve the condition.

• In the case of cardiomyopathy, the stem cells will improve the efficiency of blood supply and regenerate the healthier heart muscle cells.

How Are Stem Cells Delivered to the Heart?

The route of administration of stem cells is based on treatment protocol and stem cell type. The technique for delivering stem cells to the heart is as follows:

• Intravenous Infusion: The healthcare professional will introduce the stem cells directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous line. The stem cells naturally go to the damaged heart tissue and help in cardiac regeneration.

• Intracoronary Injection: The stem cells are injected into the coronary arteries, and these cells will move to the injured part of the heart and help in cardiac regeneration.

• Transendocardial Injection: The doctor will directly inject the stem cells into the damaged heart muscles with the help of a catheter.

• Surgical Implantation: The method involves the implantation of stem cells during open heart surgery. The stem cells are directly implanted over the injured part of the heart and promote regeneration.

• Patch: The patches are placed on the damaged heart tissue, and that helps by providing structural support.

What Are the Benefits of Stem Cell-Based Cardiac Regeneration Therapies?

Stem cell therapy provides several benefits for patients with heart conditions. The benefits include.

• Heart tissue repair.

• Improved heart function.

• Reduced scar tissue.

• Minimized risk of rejection.

• Reduced risk of complications.

• Personalized treatment.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Stem Cell-Based Cardiac Regeneration Therapies?

Associated risks and complications of stem cell-based cardiac regeneration therapy are as follows:

• Stem cells can cause uncontrolled growth, leading to tumor formation.

• Risk of immune rejection.

• In some cases, the stem cell may cause abnormal heart rhythm.

• The cells may trigger a clotting response, causing the formation of blood clots.

• Risk of infection.

• Ethical concerns due to the destruction of embryos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stem cell-based cardiac therapies are a treatment option for managing several heart conditions. Stem cells repair and restore heart function by forming new blood vessels and promoting healing. Several benefits of stem cell therapy in cardiac regeneration include tissue repair, improved heart function, and reduced risk of infection. Ongoing research and advancement in stem cell technology are needed to address the challenge and ensure the safety of these therapies.