Scientists believe they have discovered a new stem cell treatment to heal heart muscle damage.  In a study published by the journal “Nature Communications”, scientists report identifying a protein that may be able to help locate useful cardiac stem cells.  These cardiac stem cells are capable of repairing damage to the heart muscle.

Heart damage commonly occurs as a result of a heart attack.  The tissue damage from a heart attack weakens the heart significantly and makes it less effective at pumping blood around the body.  Heart failure can bring about symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, swollen feet, bloating, dizziness and fatigue.

Researchers first identified the genetic signature of cardiac stem cells in the hearts of mice.  They harvested those stem cells for study and determined which ones could generate heart muscle cells in the laboratory.  Then researchers determined which stem cells could integrate into the heart muscle of living mice.  The study helped identify the genetic profiles of useful stem cells and the proteins that identify them. 

Researchers discovered that there are different groups of stem cells with different capabilities.  The most useful cells found were the Sca1+ SP cells, which can be identified by the presence of the PDGFRα protein on their surface.  After two weeks of being injected into the mice, a small number of the stem cells became new heart muscle tissue.  Mice who received the injections showed better heart muscle performance after 12 weeks.

The research has identified the characteristic genetic “signature” of adult mouse heart stem cells.  The next step is to identify similar cells in humans.  Researchers believe that stem cells may be key in repairing and rebuilding human heart tissue in the future.

From: Stem cells could provide a treatment for a ‘broken heart’

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