Vascular stem cells-potential for clinical application.
Cell therapy is a growing area of research as an alternative to pharmaceuticals or surgery for the treatment of ischaemic disease. Studies are focusing on delivering tissue-derived cells into damaged organs to promote vascular regeneration or gain of function.



Pubmed, clinicaltrials.gov, BHF website.



Stem cells have the potential to become a viable treatment for many diseases, as indicated by the numerous pre-clinical studies demonstrating therapeutic benefit.



The mechanisms of action for transplanted stem cells are still open to debate. Proposed mechanism includes direct cell incorporation and paracrine action. Additionally, the secretome produced by transplanted cells remains largely unknown.



Initial studies focused on delivering stem cells by injection; however, current research is utilizing biomaterials to target cell delivery to specific areas.



Whilst stem cell research in the laboratory is expanding rapidly, transition into clinical studies is hindered by the availability of equivalent clinical grade reagents.
Division of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK.
Sadie C
SC
Slater
Division of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK.
Michele
M
Carrabba
Division of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK paolo.madeddu@bristol.ac.uk.
Paolo
P
Madeddu
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012038:Regeneration; D057905:Stem Cell Research; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D016896:Treatment Outcome
cell therapy; myocardial infarction; scaffolds; vascular stem cells