Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: Promising therapy for heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome characterized by the reduced capacity of the heart to adequately fill or eject blood. Currently, HF remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. Recent advancements have highlighted the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in managing HF. Notably, umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) have demonstrated superior clinical potential compared to traditional bone marrow-derived MSCs; this is evident in their non-invasive collection process, higher proliferation efficacy, and lower immunogenicity and tumorigenicity, as substantiated by preclinical studies. Although the feasibility and safety of UC-MSCs have been tested in animal models, the application of UC-MSCs in HF treatment remains challenged by issues such as inaccurate targeted migration and low survival rates of UC-MSCs. Therefore, further research and clinical trials are imperative to advance the clinical application of UC-MSCs.

Keywords: Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells; Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells; Cell therapy; Heart failure; Cardiovascular diseases

Core Tip: There has been increased emphasis on the efficacy and potential of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) for reversing cardiac remodeling in heart failure. UC-MSCs exhibit low immunogenicity and tumorigenicity, with a painless, non-invasive collection process. Compared to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, UC-MSCs exhibit superior proliferation, migration, immunosuppressive effects, and paracrine activity. However, their efficacy largely depends on the primitive source and extraction/delivery methods. Therefore, optimizing extraction/delivery techniques and conducting rigorous clinical trials are essential for further clinical implementation of UC-MSCs in heart failure patients.