Scientists in the United States have discovered that certain types of mesenchymal stem cells are better for treating a condition called nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and struggles to move blood around the body.

In this new study, scientists discovered that allogeneic cells (cells from another person) are more effective than autologous cells (cells from a patient’s own body) when treating DCM. These findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, may transform how stem cells are used to treat this life-threatening condition.  

Researchers transplanted mesenchymal stem cells into 37 patients with DCM. Some patients received allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells while others were given autologous mesenchymal stem cells. Patients received 100 million cells each via a transendocardial stem cell injection in 10 seperate sites.

Study author, Dr. Joshua M. Hare, describes the purpose of the research saying: “There were pros and cons to both approaches, so it was very reasonable to say, before we get into a big phase 3 trial, let’s identify whether one of these strategies has a signal of superiority.”

The researchers measured the effectiveness of the transplants and the side effects experienced by patients. They found that the group of people who were given allogenic mesenchymal stem cells had fewer side effects than the autologous group.

Patients who were given an allogeneic also had better results from the procedure and had much stronger heart function after 12 months.

Scientists suspect the results are better because the allogeneic cells were younger and healthier than cells from a patient’s own body. Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells also have a more profound interaction with the recipient’s immune system, which is beneficial to the success of the transplant.

Source: Treatment with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells may benefit nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

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