Key result
Cell transplantation improves ventricular function via mechanisms other than true myocardial regeneration.
Why the study?
Cell transplantation improves function of the infarcted heart, but the mechanisms and optimal cell sources remain unclear amid diverse clinical and basic research approaches.
This commentary highlights that the functional benefits of cell transplantation in the infarcted heart may stem from mechanisms other than true myocardial regeneration.
Temper expectations for true regeneration via cell therapy in MI; leaves open paracrine mechanisms and cell sources for trials.
Substantial evidence indicates that cell transplantation can improve function of the infarcted heart. A surprisingly wide range of non-myogenic cell types improves ventricular function, suggesting that benefit may result in part from mechanisms that are distinct from true myocardial regeneration. While clinical trials explore cells derived from skeletal muscle and bone marrow, basic researchers are investigating sources of new cardiomyocytes, such as resident myocardial progenitors and embryonic stem cells. In this commentary, we briefly review the evolution of cell-based cardiac repair, discuss the current state of clinical research, and offer some thoughts on how newcomers can critically evaluate this emerging field.
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Murry et al. (2006) conducted a review in Infarcted heart. Cell transplantation was evaluated. Cell transplantation for cardiac repair improves ventricular function, though benefits may stem from mechanisms distinct from true myocardial regeneration.
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