title: Perspective and challenges of mesenchymal stem cells for cardiovascular regeneration.
abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit multipotent differentiation potential and can be derived from embryonic, neonatal and adult differentiation stage III tissue sources. While increasing preclinical studies and clinical trials have indicated that MSC-based therapy is a promising strategy for cardiovascular regeneration, there are major challenges to overcome before this stem-cell technology can be widely applied in clinical settings. In this review, the following important issues will be addressed. First, optimal sources of MSC derivation suitable for myocardial repair are not determined. Second, assessments for preclinical and clinical studies of MSCs require more scientific data analysis. Third, mechanisms of MSC-based therapy for cardiovascular regeneration have not been fully understood yet. Finally, the potential benefit-risk ratio of MSC therapy needs to be evaluated systematically. Additionally, future development of MSC therapy will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Yuelin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xiaoting
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Qizhou
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Lian
authors.forename: Hung-Fat
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Tse
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000628:therapy*; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000502:physiology*