Stem Cell Research and Heart Disease Treatment
By Dr Nik Nikam
Last Updated: June 06, 2008

The words, “stem cells,” generate a very poignant response from people from all walks of lives; from President Bush to the pious pulpit pundits. Some believe it is insane to alter the human life or the body by such extreme measures. We will explore the concepts behind the stem cell research, the myths surrounding the stem cells, the current research in treating heart diseases, and look at the future of stem cell research in treating human illness.

What are stem cells?
After the sperm fertilizes an egg, a single cell embryo is formed which contains the genetic information from both parents. From this one cell the entire human body is developed in a matter of nine months. The original cell divides into billions of cells which go on to form muscle, nerve, skin, heart, or the brain tissues. Some of these original cells retain their potential to transform into any body tissue, depending on the demand, and hence, they are called stem cells.

Where do these stem cells come from?
There are two kinds of stem cells namely, pluripotent cells that come from the human embryo or fetal tissue and can transform into any type of cell in the body. The other type is called the adult stem cell that comes from the adult body parts such as the bone marrow, fat, or heart.

How do stem cells work?
The bone marrow, for example, has primitive mononuclear cells called stem cells. They continuously produce various kinds of red and white blood cells depending on the need. If someone develops an infection, these stem cells turn up the production of white blood cells to fight the infection. This natural transformation phenomena is the basis of implanting the stem cells, say for example in the heart muscle region to stimulate the production of heart muscle fibers instead of the red or white blood cells. The exact mechanism by which it replicates the heart muscle is not clearly understood at present. It may replicate the tissue that surrounds it, or it may release messengers that may assist in replicating the tissue.

The same stem cells have been used in various parts of the body to regenerate skin, muscle, fingers, among other things that were inconceivable just a few years ago.

What are the concerns?
It is a common perception that human embryos are sacrificed to harvest the stem cells. Those embryos could have developed into living beings and that using embryos is unethical or immoral. It is a legitimate concern. However, most of the stem cells used in cardiac research come from the bone marrow. Even the placenta, which is generally discarded after the baby’s delivery, contains stem cells. Most of the embryonic cells come from the eggs that were fertilized outside the body in a test tube that are not used for the intended purposes. They would go to waste. These embryonic cells which are more favorable could be used to treat a debilitating disease that is not amenable to any other presently available medical treatments. Others argue that the next step would be to use these stem cells to clone humans.

Hence, public education becomes a moral obligation and an essential part of any novel research, especially, when it involves human life born or not yet born.

Can Stem Cells replace damaged heart muscle fibers?
When a coronary artery blocks totally, there is damage to the heart muscle. Generally these patients undergo cardiac catheterization where the blockage is opened and a stent placed to prevent abrupt re-blockage. Researchers at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, have used specialized catheters to inject the stem cells directly in the proximity of the damaged heart muscle, with the hope of regenerating new heart muscle fibers to improve the overall heart function. The patients receive these stem cells from 7 to 10 days after their heart attack. Some centers have injected the stem cells into coronary artery supplying the damaged heart region. Interestingly, the stem cells not only produce new heart muscle fibers, but also blood vessels, veins, and the connective tissue.

If you are involved in research, it will cost you nothing as compared $30,000 to $40,000 if you were to travel abroad to get similar treatment

Although, these advances are at the dawn of stem cell evolution, they appear promising in treating patients with heart attack and severe heart failure.

Can stem cells help patients with heart failure?
Patients with heart failure have dilated weak heart muscle with non-contracting fibrous tissue leading to reduced pumping efficiency of the heart. When these patients received the stem cells, there was an overall improvement in the heart pumping function, with more areas moving compared to that prior to the treatment, and improvement in exercise capacity.

Can stem cells help poor arterial circulation in the legs?
People with peripheral arterial disease have severe multiple occlusion in the leg arteries leading to poor circulation, pain, ulceration, and gangrene in worst cases necessitating amputation. Researchers at the Texas Heart Institute have shown improvement in the collateral circulation in the legs by directly injecting the stem cells several times into the leg calf muscles. Patients have been noted to have some relief of symptoms and increased walking distance.

What is the future for stem cells?
Stem cell research has shown promising results in treating conditions such as Parkinosn’s disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, burns, and others. With further improvements in cells procurements and preparations, the stem cells’ efficiency may improve. With the governmental commitment to the stem cell research and increased funding, more and more data should be coming in the future.

The Texas Heart Institute, lead by Dr. James Willerson & Dr. Emerson Perin, has established a Stem Cell Center for cardiovascular research. If you would like to enroll in one of their studies or get further information, contact Dr. Perin at 832-355-9404.

Disclosure: The information provided here is for educational purpose only. Please consult with your physician for any medical advice. Visit www.sugarlandheartcenter.com for more information, Ph: 281-265-7567 or email nikam@alltel.net