The use of electrical stimulation to induce cardiac differentiation of stem cells for the treatment of myocardial infarction

Abstract

Ischemic heart disease resulting from a myocardial infarction (MI), is a major health issue. Stem cell therapies may play an important role in this field. However, cardiomyocytes induced from stem cells are characterized by low rates of differentiation and immaturity. After transplantation into the damaged heart, they may even increase the risk of arrhythmias. Studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation (ES) can promote the cardiac differentiation of stem cells. This review summarizes the latest research on the effects of applying different electrical stimulation (ES) parameters to different types of stem cells and the related mechanisms that may be involved.