Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy Optimization via Tissue Engineering in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Abstract

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is continuously rising in both the industrialized and non-industrialized nations. Despite current therapeutic advances, prognosis of HF patients remains poor. Presently, therapeutic pharmacological and device strategies for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are mostly palliative and do not induce regeneration of lost myocardial tissue. Stem cell therapy has demonstrated promising results in clinical studies by promoting myocardial restoration in HFrEF subjects. Despite decades of investigation, many challenges remain unanswered to the widespread clinical application of stem cell therapy for HFrEF. This review will describe the foundational work already accomplished in cardiac stem cell therapy, advantages and limitations of the various candidates for tissue restoration, their presumed mechanisms of action, the role of scaffolding materials as well as the challenges that exist for widespread clinical application.

Research Advances of Injectable Functional Hydrogel Materials in the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

“…Nowadays, cardiac tissue reconstruction, prevention of ventricular remodeling and scar tissue formation, and reduction of heart failure and heart rupture have become the focus of new effective strategies [ 8 , 9 ], including the development and application of a variety of biomaterials. Currently, biomaterials developed to promote ischemic myocardial repair include patches, hydrogels, scaffolds, and particles [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Effect of poly (l-lactic acid) scaffolds seeded with aligned diaphragmatic myoblasts overexpressing connexin-43 on infarct size and ventricular function in sheep with acute coronary occlusion

“…It has been shown that the extent of remodeling and thus the severity of heart failure largely depend on infarct size [3][4][5]. In this regard, cardiac regenerative therapies employing stem cells and tissue engineering can potentially reduce infarct size and improve left ventricular (LV) function [6].…”