Abstract: Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are non-hematopoietic cells with multi-lineage potential to differentiate into various tissues of mesodermal origin. They can be isolated from bone marrow and other tissues and have the capacity to extensively proliferate in vitro. Moreover, MSCs have also been shown to produce anti-inflammatory molecules which can modulate humoral and cellular immune responses. Considering their regenerative potential and immunoregulatory effect, MSC therapy is a promising tool in the treatment of degenerative, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. However, the current understanding from results of clinical trials is that MSC-therapy is safe but its therapeutic efficiency needs to be improved. In this article we will focus on options for genetic manipulation of MSCs and on current progress in adapting genetically-modified MSCs for clinical use in acute cardiovascular disease. ... Read more

Abstract: Human adult bone marrow-derived multipotent stem cells (BMSC) can grow to become virtually any cell type, under the right conditions. Heart muscle cells differentiated from BMSC are shown to be able to repair lesions caused by a heart attack. ... Read more

Abstract: Many people carry electronic pacemakers and, generally speaking, these devices work quite well. However, they do not automatically adjust heart rates in response to special circumstances, like exercise or emotion. Stem cells isolated from adult bone marrow can be genetically engineered to behave like the heart's own natural pacemaker cells. These stem cells can grow and integrate with native surrounding heart muscle cells, allowing the heart to react more naturally to their surroundings. ... Read more

Abstract: Stem cells have a great potential in regenerative medicine. Among their many capabilities, for example, they can become heart muscle cells when they are grown in a specially formulated "juice" in culture. These stem cells-derived heart muscle cells can be transplanted into the heart where they integrate into resident heart muscle and function as a pacemaker. Many technical issues remain to be addressed before stem cells can be used therapeutically. ... Read more