Richard Zelman MD | Types of Cells Used in Cardiac Cell Therapy

Dr. Richard Zelman There are several types of cells that have been investigated for their potential to regenerate cardiac tissue:

 

Stem Cells: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types, including cardiomyocytes. Dr. Zelman notes that two primary types of stem cells are used in cardiac therapy: embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells. ESCs have a high potential for differentiation but come with ethical concerns and the risk of immune rejection. On the other hand, adult stem cells, such as mesenchyme stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are more commonly used due to their ability to differentiate into heart cells and their lower risk of rejection.

 

Cardiac Progenitor Cells: These are specialized cells found in the heart that can differentiate into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Dr. Zelman explains that cardiac progenitor cells are particularly promising because they are naturally programmed to develop into heart tissue, making them an ideal candidate for cardiac regeneration.

 

Skeletal Myoblasts: These are precursor cells found in skeletal muscle tissue. Dr. Zelman notes that while skeletal myoblasts can survive in the hostile environment of an injured heart and resist ischemic damage, their integration into cardiac tissue has proven challenging due to differences in electrical activity between skeletal and cardiac muscle cells.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Pioneering Work of Dr. Richard Zelman in Cardiology

Dr. Richard Zelman

Dr. Richard Zelman | Impactful Patient Stories: Navigating Challenges with Compassion