＂Second-generation＂ stem cells for cardiac repair
摘要
Over the last years, stem cell therapy has emerged asan inspiring alternative to restore cardiac function aftermyocardial infarction. A large body of evidence has beenobtained in this field but there is no conclusive data onthe efficacy of these treatments. Preclinical studies andearly reports in humans have been encouraging andhave fostered a rapid clinical translation, but positiveresults have not been uniformly observed and whenpresent, they have been modest. Several types ofstem cells, manufacturing methods and delivery routeshave been tested in different clinical settings but directcomparison between them is challenging and hindersfurther research. Despite enormous achievements,major barriers have been found and many fundamentalissues remain to be resolved. A better knowledgeof the molecular mechanisms implicated in cardiacdevelopment and myocardial regeneration is criticallyneeded to overcome some of these hurdles. Genetic andpharmacological priming together with the discovery ofnew sources of cells have led to a ＂second generation＂of cell products that holds an encouraging promise incardiovascular regenerative medicine. In this report,we review recent advances in this field focusing on thenew types of stem cells that are currently being testedin human beings and on the novel strategies employedto boost cell performance in order to improve cardiacfunction and outcomes after myocardial infarction.