Stem Cells Research for the Enhancement Cardiac Regeneration: The Current Role of Multi- and Pluri-Potent Cells in Injury Repair

Abstract

The study of cardiac regeneration can have many forms in which it is defined. It can not only be the ability to add new myocardium to dead or dying tissues, but also include the prevention of cardiac tissue degeneration, reversal of tissue remodeling, and the maintenance of systolic and diastolic function in the incidence of tissue damage, which can lead to subsequent heart failure progression. The use of stem cells for cardiac regeneration represents a growing field of new therapies for patients with end stage cardiac disease. Various studies have noted promising results in the recovery and reparation of these tissues. Cumulatively, their goals have become the identification of the most suitable cell type, as well as how to maximize functional efficiency and cost effectiveness for practical application. Many protocols simply do not ensure adequate cell engraftment, viability, and ultimately the return of normal tissue function. Investigators seek to determine how these processes can be enhanced or manipulated to promote cardiac regeneration in hopes of eventually making their clinical use a standard practice.