ABSTRACT
Embryonic and adult stem cells are being investigated for their potential use in regenerative medicine. Data are extensive and reports on myocardial regeneration using adult bone marrow stem cells provide some of the most convincing evidence in support of stem cell plasticity. This chapter reviews the status of bone marrow stem cell and skeletal myoblast repair of infarcted myocardium. Endothelial progenitor cells are the immediate ancestors of the endothelial cells that are involved in neovascularization and angiogenesis. Bone marrow stem cells have long been considered to be multipotent based on their capacity to generate diverse populations as erythrocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. Therapies, including angioplasty and medication, improve the prognosis of patients following a myocardial infarction but do not lead to regeneration of dead myocardium. Stem cell mobilization has been used as a strategy to promote growth of collateral vessels in patients with chronic stable angina who were not eligible for coronary artery bypass grafting.
