A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the Duke-National University of Singapore (Duke-NUS) Medical School has shown promising results in repairing damaged heart muscle by transplanting precursor stem cells into pigs. 

The research, which focuses on regenerating heart tissue damaged by a lack of oxygen, could revolutionize the treatment of heart failure in humans, a report shared by NewAtlas tells us.

Reversing Heart Muscle Damage

Heart muscle damage occurs when the heart is deprived of oxygen, a condition known as cardiac ischemia. 

The American Heart Organization tells us that prolonged ischemia can lead to irreversible damage and heart failure, significantly affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. 

The primary cause of cardiac ischemia is atherosclerosis, characterized by accumulating artery plaques. Complete blockage of an artery by a plaque can result in a heart attack or myocardial infarction.

Previous studies have explored various methods of reversing heart muscle damage caused by ischemia, including transplanting human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). 

These cells possess the unique ability to divide and differentiate into different types of cells that constitute the human body. By utilizing hPSCs, scientists can create any necessary cell or tissue.

A Closer Look at the Study

In this recent study, the Duke-NUS researchers grew lab-made hPSCs and guided their differentiation into cardiac progenitor cells, precursor cells responsible for heart muscle formation. 

The key to the process was the researchers' use of laminin, a protein that directs the development of specific tissue cell types. The researchers facilitated their growth and maturation by cultivating the progenitor cells on laminin found in the heart.

Approximately 200 million 11-day-old progenitor cells were injected into pigs' damaged heart muscle. Remarkably, these cells rapidly organized themselves within the injured tissue, generated new heart muscle tissue, and continued to mature over time.

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Lead author Lynn Yap explained, "As early as four weeks after the injection, there was rapid engraftment, which means the body is accepting the transplanted stem cells."

"We also observed the growth of new heart tissue and an increase in functional development, suggesting that our protocol has the potential to be developed into an effective and safe means for cell therapy," the expert explained.

The researchers also observed a significant improvement in the heart's pumping ability and a reduction in the size of the area of muscle death caused by ischemia.

Significant Improvement from Previous Studies

In previous studies, transplanting heart muscle cells that were already beating led to dangerous heart rhythm problems. However, in this study, non-beating cells were used, and they matured and started beating after being transplanted. 

This new approach reduced the occurrence of rhythm problems by 50%. If any rhythm problems did arise, they were temporary and resolved within about 30 days. 

Additionally, the transplanted cells did not cause tumor formation, which has been a concern with stem cell therapies.

The researchers believe that their technique, which relies on laminin for the growth of stem cells, is both easy to reproduce and safe.

This study's promising findings open possibilities for potential treatments that can help regenerate heart muscle damaged by reduced blood flow.

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