Affiliation:
1. Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB, R2H2A6, Canada
Abstract
Cardiac disorders remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Current clinical strategies, including drug therapy, surgical interventions, and organ transplantation offer limited benefits to patients without regenerating the damaged myocardium. Over the past decade, stem cell therapy has generated a keen interest owing to its unique self-renewal and immune privileged characteristics. Furthermore, the ability of stem cells to differentiate into specialized cell types, has made them a popular therapeutic tool against various diseases. This comprehensive review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of different types of stem cells in reference to cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, it sheds light on the advantages and limitations associated with each cell type. An in-depth analysis of the challenges associated with stem cell research and the hurdles for its clinical translation and their possible solutions have also been elaborated upon. It examines the controversies surrounding embryonic stem cells and the emergence of alternative approaches, such as the use of induced pluripotent stem cells for cardiac therapeutic applications. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers involved in the field of regenerative medicine, guiding the development of safe and effective stem cell-based therapies to revolutionize patient care.
Funder
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Subject
Physiology (medical),Pharmacology,General Medicine,Physiology