Bone Marrow Cells Help the Heart

Robert W. Griffith, MD

Bone marrow cells (BMCs) are almost equal to embryonic stem cells in their ability to transform themselves into other cell types. Experiments in lab animals have shown that BMCs can improve the contractile performance of lifeless myocardium (heart muscle) by producing new muscle and small blood vessel cells. There's also evidence that several different types of mononuclear (single nucleus) BMCs can transform into endothelium (blood vessel lining cells) and smooth muscle cells, as well as into heart muscle cells. They have been seen to migrate from coronary capillaries and become incorporation into the heart muscle.

Several small clinical studies indicate that autologous (i.e. from self) BMCs may be used for myocardial regeneration from 2-3 to a few weeks after a heart attack. A review of the published studies has appeared in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Almost 1,000 patients (from 18 studies) show that BMC transplantation improves the function of the left ventricle of the heart, decreases the volume of the left ventricle (from its dilated size), and reduces the size of the dead heart muscle. These changes are described as "modest improvements . . . in patients with both acute myocardial infarction [heart attack] and chronic ischemic heart disease, above and beyond conventional therapy". A promising treatment - that doesn't require embryonic stem cell or bone marrow donors.

Source
HealthandAge Blog

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.