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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Majlinda LakoORCiD, Professor Miodrag Stojkovic
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Human stem cells and progenitor cells from the bone marrow have been proposed for the regeneration of ischemic cardiac tissues. Early clinical trials indicate that infusion of autologous bone-marrow cells into the infarcted heart enhances ventricular function, albeit the long-term benefit remains to be ascertained. Alternatively, angiogenic growth factors could be used to stimulate the recruitment of vascular progenitor cells into tissues in need of regeneration. Unfortunately, in atherosclerotic patients, the curative potential of autologous stem cells might be impoverished by underlying disease and associated risk factors. Thus, research is focusing on the use of embryonic stem cells which are capable of unlimited self-renewal and have the potential to give rise to all tissue types in the body. Ethical problems and technical hurdles may limit the immediate application of embryonic stem cells. In the meanwhile, fetal hematopoietic stem cells, which have been routinely used to reconstitute the hematopoietic system in man, could represent an alternative, owing to their juvenile phenotype and ability to differentiate into vascular endothelial, muscular, and neuronal cell lineages. With progresses in stem cell expansion, the blood of a single cord could be sufficient to transplant an adult. These observations raise the exciting possibility of using fetal cells as a new way to speed up the healing of damaged tissues. © 2005 Schattauer GmbH, Stuttgart.
Author(s): Emanueli C, Lako M, Stojkovic M, Madeddu P
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Year: 2005
Volume: 94
Issue: 4
Pages: 738-749
ISSN (print): 0340-6245
ISSN (electronic): 0344-7618
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1160/TH05-04-0233
DOI: 10.1160/TH05-04-0233
PubMed id: 16270625
