Stem cells against heart failure
Researchers at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, working under the guidance of Dr. Eduardo Marban, have demonstrated that the introduction of cardiac stem cells is a potentially effective method of treating a common, but poorly treatable form of heart failure.
Previously known as diastolic heart failure, the diagnosis of preserved ejection fraction heart failure refers to a condition in which the heart muscle becomes so inelastic that the chambers of the heart lose the ability to completely fill with blood. Even though the heart retains the ability to pump blood, its inability to fill with blood over time can lead to fluid retention in the body. This affects the vital activity of other organs and causes fluid stagnation, especially in the lungs. The resulting poorly treatable condition is manifested by very severe weakness and difficulty breathing.
To date, this form of the disease is diagnosed in more than half of patients with heart failure. Women and patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity and hypertension are most prone to its development.
In an earlier study, Marban demonstrated the ability of stem cells to regenerate new healthy heart muscle tissue after a myocardial infarction. In his new work, he decided to explore the possibilities of using these cells in the treatment of other heart diseases.
As part of the study, 34 laboratory rats with simulated hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction were injected with a cardiac stem cell preparation. A placebo was administered to a control group of 34 animals. Four weeks later, normalization of cardiac function and normal filling of the heart chambers were registered in the mice of the experimental group. The animals of the control group were characterized by progressive deterioration and premature death.
Based on these results, Marban received permission from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use cardiospheres (cardiac stem cells) as an experimental drug for the treatment of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The preparation of such cells CAP-1002, manufactured by Capricor, has previously been used in clinical trials.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on EurekAlert materials!: Research shows stem cell infusion could be effective for most common type of heart failure.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru
01.03.2015