Mesenchymal stem cells for cardiac repair: Preclinical models of disease

Abstract

In recent years, the incredible boost in stem cell research has kindled the expectations of both patients and physicians. Mesenchymal progenitors, owing to their availability, ease of manipulation and therapeutic potential, have become one of the most attractive options for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, from cartilage defects to cardiac disorders. Moreover, their immunomodulatory capacity has opened up their allogenic use, consequently broadening the possibilities for their application. In this review, we will focus on their use in the therapy of animal preclinical models of myocardial infarction, with special focus on their characteristics and their in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of action.