Source: Nature
Posted: April 27, 2006
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a clinical trial that involves injecting stem cells into the hearts of people scheduled to undergo a heart transplant and then examining the removed hearts to see how the stem cells function.
Based on preliminary evidence, the researchers say, the stem cells appear to fuse with the patient's damaged heart cells and increase the number of cells in the damaged area of the heart. But scientists are unsure whether the cells formed true heart muscle.
Scientists conclude that it is more likely that bone marrow cells differentiated into new myocytes and improved function, rather than old myocytes being modified by fusion to become better cells," he says.
Scientists say the stem cells might help the heart by providing fresh mitochondria and allowing for stronger, synchronous contractions.
Commentary: This study appears to be early evidence that stem cells could treat heart conditions. Hopefully it will provide researchers with new ideas about how to use stem cells to develop effective treatments.
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