Osaka scientists develop stem cell spray to treat heart failure
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SUITA, Osaka Prefecture–Researchers here have developed a method for treating heart failure that involves spraying cultured stem cells directly on the heart of a patient.
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“Cells can be transplanted in an extremely simple fashion through this method without damaging the heart,” Yoshiki Sawa, a cardiology professor at Osaka University’s Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, said at a news conference on Nov. 29.
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A clinical trial started in November to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the cell spray technique, targeting six individuals with ischemic cardiomyopathy, a condition where heart muscles are damaged owing to blocked blood vessels following myocardial infarction and other problems.
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The cells to be sprayed are mesenchymal stem cells derived from the fatty tissue of healthy individuals, as such cells produce a substance that promotes the rebuilding of blood vessels.
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The collected cells were cultured in large numbers, packaged in small bags and frozen for storage. They were defrosted prior to cardiac surgery and mixed with an adhesive-like material in a syringe, so that the finished substance can be sprayed by surgeons on the surface of a patient’s heart during an operation.
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The substance generated by the sprayed cells is expected to help create thin blood vessels. In addition, blood flow in big vessels becomes better due to surgery. This allows for the increased supply of blood to weakened hearts, resulting in improved cardiac performance.
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Administration of cells via the spray technique can be completed quickly in several tens of seconds. Cells collected from healthy individuals are excellent in quality as well.
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As the therapy does not require special equipment or facilities, it can easily be introduced at medical centers regardless of the location in the country, the research team said.
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