Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Stem cells as seed cells for cell transplantation treatment of cardiovascular diseases has become a hot topic in recent years and many animal models and clinical studies have indicated that stem cell transplantation will be a new treatment to improve the heart function.
OBJECTIVE: To review the issues on transplantation type selection, transplantation path, transplantation occasion and safety for the application of stem cells in cardiovascular disease.
METHODS: A computer-based online retrieval of PubMed and CNKI was performed to search manuscripts addressing stem cell transplantation for treatment of cardiovascular disease published in 2000/2010 in English and Chinese with the key words “stem cell transplantation, cardiovascular disease”. Repetitive research and non-related studies were excluded, and 25 articles were included in this review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Stem cell transplantation can improve perfusion of ischemic myocardium, reduce the death of myocardial cells, and limit left ventricular remodeling, which will fundamentally improve cardiac function and reduce mortality. However, the research on the treatment of cardiovascular disease with stem cell transplantation is still in its infancy and there are still many problems to be solved.