Mesenchymal stem cells and cardiac regeneration: a sophisticated approach depends on trophic effects-what's left over? Focus on 'Activation of Toll-like receptor 3 amplifies mesenchymal stem cell trophic factors and enhances therapeutic potency'

摘要

application of stem cells for tissue, in particular cardiac, regeneration represents a promising field of investigation but has not achieved clinical utility (Fig. 1). From the latter point of view, Strauer and colleagues (7) in 2001 achieved an important milestone by their administration of human autolo-gous hematopoietic stem cells into coronary arteries after myocardial infarction. Subsequent clinical studies have yielded inconsistent results: Some studies have demonstrated a marginal benefit on cardiac function and clinical symptoms (11) while others found no significant effects (10). A consensus does not exist regarding the patients who should receive adult hematopoietic stem cells for heart failure therapy, and accordingly, this strategy is not yet a routine part of clinical care. Another possible strategy, the use of human embryonic stem cells for tissue repair, is limited by their availability, induction of malignoma, ethical concerns, governmental regulations, and the lack of a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-grade setting.