Heart attack stem cells for hearts

2009/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

A study conducted at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and the University Clinic of Navarra has shown that stem cells from bone marrow and adipose tissue improve the function of the heart infarction in animal models. Cells taken from the bone marrow act on damaged tissue and fat cells are able to transform into blood vessels or heart cells.

Researchers believe that the procedure used has great potential for clinical use. When a person has a heart attack, the artery that supplies the heart is blocked. The affected area dies and the remaining scar does not contract. This is a very serious problem as it has a noticeable influence on the heart's ability to act.