Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have made significant progress in developing a cutting-edge stem cell therapy for heart failure. By cultivating pluripotent stem cells in the lab, they have found a way to repair damaged heart tissue and enhance cardiac function when these cells are transplanted into a damaged heart. This groundbreaking procedure holds tremendous potential for patients with heart failure, as it reduces the risk of complications such as arrhythmias and tumors while promoting the regeneration of healthy heart tissue.
The use of these stem cells has demonstrated their ability to repair diseased cells, offering a promising solution for individuals suffering from heart failure.
In a recent study published in the journal npj Regenerative Medicine, scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School unveiled a stem cell therapy for heart failure that has shown promising results in preclinical trials. The therapy involves transplanting these cells into a damaged heart, where they can effectively mend the injured tissue and improve overall heart function.
Ischaemic heart disease, a condition characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart, is currently the leading global cause of death. This occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed, resulting in the death of heart muscle cells—a condition commonly known as a heart attack or myocardial infarction.
During the study, a unique protocol was employed, where pluripotent stem cells were grown in the laboratory to develop into heart muscle precursor cells capable of differentiating into various types of heart cells. Cell differentiation is a process through which dividing cells acquire specialized functions. In preclinical trials, the precursor cells were injected into the region of the heart damaged by a heart attack, where they successfully developed into new heart muscle cells, restoring damaged tissue and enhancing heart function.
Dr. Lynn Yap, an assistant professor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the study’s first author, stated, “As early as four weeks after the injection, there was rapid engraftment, indicating that the transplanted stem cells were accepted by the body. We also observed the growth of new heart tissue and an improvement in functional development, suggesting that our protocol has the potential to become an effective and safe method for cell therapy.” Dr. Yap conducted the research while serving as an assistant professor with Duke-NUS’ Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders (CVMD) Programme.
Previous studies by other research groups found that transplanting heart muscle cells that were already beating led to fatal side effects, including abnormal heartbeats known as ventricular arrhythmia, which can impede or halt blood supply to the body.
The new procedure developed by Duke-NUS researchers involves transplanting non-beating heart cells into the damaged heart. Following transplantation, these cells expand and synchronize with the rhythm of the rest of the heart. This approach significantly reduces the incidence of arrhythmia by 50%. In the rare cases where arrhythmia did occur, most episodes were temporary and resolved on their own within approximately 30 days. Furthermore, the transplanted cells did not trigger tumor formation—a common concern associated with stem cell therapies.
“This technology brings us closer to providing a new treatment for heart failure patients who would otherwise face the challenge of living with diseased hearts and slim chances of recovery. It will also have a significant impact on the field of regenerative cardiology by offering a proven protocol that can restore damaged heart muscles while minimizing the risk of adverse side effects,” explained Professor Karl Tryggvason, the senior author of the study and a member of Duke-NUS’ CVMD Programme.
Professor Tryggvason, who also holds the Tanoto Foundation Professorship in Diabetes Research, is leading additional studies to adapt this regenerative medicine technique for patients with diabetes, macular degeneration in the
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about stem cell therapy
What is the stem cell therapy developed by Duke-NUS Medical School for heart failure?
Duke-NUS Medical School has developed a stem cell therapy for heart failure that involves transplanting pluripotent stem cells into a damaged heart. These cells have the potential to repair damaged heart tissue and improve heart function.
How does the stem cell therapy work?
In this therapy, pluripotent stem cells are grown in the lab and differentiated into heart muscle precursor cells. These precursor cells are then transplanted into the damaged area of the heart. Over time, they develop into new heart muscle cells, promoting the regeneration of healthy heart tissue and enhancing heart function.
What are the potential benefits of this stem cell therapy?
The stem cell therapy offers several potential benefits for heart failure patients. It can reduce the risk of complications such as arrhythmias and tumors, while promoting the regeneration of healthy heart tissue. This therapy provides hope for patients with heart failure and improves their chances of recovery.
What are the advantages of using non-beating heart cells in the transplantation process?
Transplanting non-beating heart cells into the damaged heart reduces the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, abnormal heartbeats that can limit or stop the heart from supplying blood to the body. By using non-beating cells, the incidence of arrhythmia is significantly reduced, and any episodes that do occur are usually temporary and self-resolve within approximately 30 days.
Are there any safety concerns associated with this stem cell therapy?
One common concern with stem cell therapies is the potential for tumor formation. However, in the case of this therapy developed by Duke-NUS Medical School, the transplanted cells did not trigger tumor formation. Extensive molecular and gene expression analyses were conducted to ensure the safety and efficacy of the protocol, making it a promising and safe option for cell therapy in heart failure patients.
What other applications does this stem cell therapy have?
Apart from heart failure, Duke-NUS researchers are also exploring the use of this regenerative medicine method for patients with diabetes, macular degeneration in the eyes, and those in need of skin grafts. The versatility of this therapy opens up possibilities for treating various conditions through cell-based regenerative medicine.
More about stem cell therapy
- Duke-NUS Medical School
- npj Regenerative Medicine Journal
- Ischaemic Heart Disease
- Pluripotent Stem Cells
- Ventricular Arrhythmia
- Regenerative Cardiology
- Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Failure
