Stem cell transplantation as a therapeutic approach to organ failure

Stem cell transplantation is one of the next great frontiers for surgery. Stem cells, which are undifferentiated and self-renewing, have shown the ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, as well as many other cell types for potential therapeutic use by surgeons. As a result, stem cells have th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of surgical research 2005-11, Vol.129 (1), p.152-160
Main Authors: NAGY, Ryan D, TSAI, Ben M, MEIJING WANG, MARKEL, Troy A, BROWN, John W, MELDRUM, Daniel R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy
Biological and medical sciences
Bone marrow, stem cells transplantation. Graft versus host reaction
Cardiomyopathies - surgery
Cell Differentiation
Cell Division
Clinical Trials as Topic
Embryo, Mammalian - cytology
Endothelial Cells
General aspects
Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Humans
Immune Tolerance
Medical sciences
Mesoderm - cytology
Muscle Fibers, Skeletal
Myocytes, Cardiac - cytology
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem Cells
Transfusions. Complications. Transfusion reactions. Cell and gene therapy
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Summary:Stem cell transplantation is one of the next great frontiers for surgery. Stem cells, which are undifferentiated and self-renewing, have shown the ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, as well as many other cell types for potential therapeutic use by surgeons. As a result, stem cells have the potential to undo irreversible cellular damage, something traditional therapies could not cure. However, numerous issues must be resolved to permit safe and effective clinical application of stem cell therapy. These include the interpretation of cellular labeling, the origin of replicating myocytes, the homing mechanism of stem cells, and the differentiation process. Successful translational research will depend on precise delivery of these cells in real time to the area of interest, e.g., the spinal cord, liver, or heart. Surgeons will be better able to excise and replace/regrow, rather than excise alone. As such, a basic understanding of stem cell biology will benefit the surgeon scientist and clinical surgeon. The review: 1) discusses myocardial regeneration; 2) defines and categorizes stem cells; 3) presents evidence of stem cell transdifferentiation into cardiomyocytes; and, 4) delineates the therapeutic potential of stem cells in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
ISSN:0022-4804
1095-8673
DOI:10.1016/j.jss.2005.04.016