Korean Circ J.  2012 Feb;42(2):71-79. 10.4070/kcj.2012.42.2.71.

A Long Road for Stem Cells to Cure Sick Hearts: Update on Recent Clinical Trials

• Kim YS
• Ahn Y

• KMID: 1826376
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2012.42.2.71

Abstract

The contribution of stem cells to cure damaged hearts has finally been unraveled. A large number of preclinical and clinical studies have showed beneficial outcomes after myocardial infarction. In this review, the current understanding of stem cell therapy in preclinical and clinical experiences is summarized. Stem cells from bone marrow have shown a potential to improve cardiac performance after myocardial infarction in animal and early clinical studies. Clinical trials from all over the world have provided safety assessments of stem cell therapy with marginal improvement of clinical outcomes. Thus, further investigations should be encouraged to resolve the discrepancies between studies, clinical issues, and unclear translational findings. This review provides information and commentary on key trials for stem cell-based treat-ment of cardiovascular disease.

Keyword

Stem cells; Myocardial infarction; Animal experimentation; Clinical trial; Peer review, research

MeSH Terms

Animal Experimentation
Animals
Bone Marrow
Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart
Myocardial Infarction
Peer Review, Research
Stem Cells

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