Washington, Sept. 4 (ANI): Researchers have discovered a method to resynchronize cardiac motion following a heart attack with the help of stem cells.
Scientists implanted engineered stem cells, also known as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, into damaged regions of mouse hearts following a heart attack. This regenerative approach successfully targeted the origin of abnormal cardiac motion, preventing heart failure.
Andre Terzic, M.D., Ph.D., senior author of the study, said that the discovery introduces - for the first time - stem cell-based 'biological resynchronization' as a novel means to treat cardiac dyssynchrony.
Muscle damage following a heart attack may disrupt normal heart conduction, resulting in a condition known as cardiac dyssynchrony.
Stem cell-based repair is going to offer a new solution to patients who would otherwise be resistant to device-based resynchronization.
Satsuki Yamada, M.D., Ph.D., first author of the study, said that a high-resolution ultrasound revealed harmonized pumping where iPS cells were introduced to the previously damaged heart tissue.
The study provides evidence that a stem cell-based intervention may be effective in synchronizing failing hearts. Additional studies will follow to validate the value of stem cell-based regenerative solutions in addressing abnormal cardiac motion in heart failure, ultimately leading to improved patient care.
The findings have been published in the Journal of Physiology. (ANI)