title: Mesenchymal stem cells for cardiovascular regeneration.
abstract: Despite recent studies suggesting that the heart has instrinsic mechanisms of self-regeneration following myocardial infarction, it cannot regenerate itself to an optimal level. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being investigated for regeneration of mesenchyme-derived tissues, such as bone, cartilage and tendon. In vitro evidence suggests that MSCs can also differentiate into cardiomyogenic and vasculogenic lineages, offering another cell source for cardiovascular regeneration. In vivo, MSCs may contribute to the re-growth and protection of vasculature and cardiomyocytes, mediated by paracrine actions, and/or persist within the myocardium in a differentiated state; although proof of cardiomyocytic phenotype and functional integration remains elusive. Herein, we review the evidence of MSCs as a cell source for cardiovascular regeneration, as well as their limitations that may prevent them from being effectively used in the clinic.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada.
authors.forename: Drew
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kuraitis
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruel
authors.forename: Erik J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Suuronen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000502:physiology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D012038:Regeneration