Encapsulated Stem Cells Improve Heart Regeneration

Researchers here report on a cheaper implementation of encapsulation for transplanted stem cells, preventing the recipient's immune system from attacking cells originating from a different individual or even different species. Since the stem cells produce improvement in regeneration in heart tissue via signaling, there is no need to expose the cells themselves to the local environment - the cells are only needed at all because the signaling environment is not yet fully mapped and understood. Encapsulating transplanted cells in a nanogel extends their lifetime and thus the therapeutic effect. As a promising approach to tissue repair, multiple types of stem cells have entered the stage of clinical testing. However, their efficacy is limited by low retention and engraftment of transplanted cells, together with the potential risk of inflammation and immunoreaction when allogeneic or xenogeneic cells are used. Heart diseases including myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Even with the most advanced pharmacological and medical device treatment methods, mortality and morbidity of heart disease stay high. Cardiac tissue engineering and stem cell transplantation approaches aim at de novo cardiac regeneration after injury. Clinical outcomes of cardiac stem cell (CSC) therapy are hampered by low cell retention rate and side effects associated with immune rejection if allogeneic cells are used. Injectable hydrogels hav...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs