Myocardial infarction and stem cells

Permanent loss of cardiomyocytes and scar tissue formation after myocardial infarction (MI) results in an irreversible damage to the cardiac function. Cardiac repair (replacement, restoration, and regeneration) is, therefore, essential to restore function of the heart following MI. Existing therapie...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: K Ananda Krishna, K Sai Krishna, Ruben Berrocal, K S Rao, K. R. S. Sambasiva Rao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
Series:Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jpbsonline.org/article.asp?issn=0975-7406;year=2011;volume=3;issue=2;spage=182;epage=188;aulast=Krishna
Description
Summary:Permanent loss of cardiomyocytes and scar tissue formation after myocardial infarction (MI) results in an irreversible damage to the cardiac function. Cardiac repair (replacement, restoration, and regeneration) is, therefore, essential to restore function of the heart following MI. Existing therapies lower early mortality rates, prevent additional damage to the heart muscle, and reduce the risk of further heart attacks. However, there is need for treatment to improve the infarcted area by replacing the damaged cells after MI. Thus, the cardiac tissue regeneration with the application of stem cells may be an effective therapeutic option. Recently, interest is more inclined toward myocardial regeneration with the application of stem cells. However, the potential benefits and the ability to improve cardiac function with the stem cell-based therapy need to be further addressed. In this review, we focus on the clinical applications of stem cells in the cardiac repair.
ISSN:0975-7406
0976-4879