Abstract

ZELEDON S, Fernando et al. Células Madre en la reparación de tejido miocárdico: Biología y Clínica.. Rev. costarric. cardiol [online]. 2005, vol.7, n.2, pp.13-20. ISSN 1409-4142.

In spite of the controversies involving stem cells,their future utilization has raised enormous expectations.Be as a therapeutic maneuver for degenerative disorders up until now of incurable nature,such as Parkinson ’s disease,muscular dystrophies,diabetes and cardiac diseases,or as a vehicle of genetic therapy,the truth is that we have only started to imagine their therapeutic possibilities. Unfortunately this wide field,has opened more questions than answers.Which is the ideal source for stem cells?Would the different stem cell types cause a beneficial effect in different situations.How many cells should be transplanted?Which is the most advisable access?Is it better to perform cell therapy during the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, or during the chronic phase?What type of stem cells should be transplanted?What mechanisms govern stem cells to survive and to differentiate?What is the average life of the new myocites?How safe is the procedure?Is there a role for pharmaceuticals in conjunction with stem cell therapy?And so on. We have to keep in mind that to make stem cell therapy a reality,is absolutely necessary to continue rigorous basic research,since the ultimate use of this approach in the management of myocardial infarction in the acute or chronic phase of an MI should be based in solid scientific principles and randomized studies that can assure more benefits than side effects.