American scientists successfully transplanted muscle cells from human embryonic stem cells into the hearts of rats with a heart attack. According to the researchers, the experiment led to the restoration of the heart muscle and to the improvement of the heart in 100% of the experimental animals, according to the Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years Pannochka. Net A report on a study performed by specialists at the University of Washington Medical School in Seattle in conjunction with Geron Corp. , Will be published in the September issue of the journal Nature Biotechnology.

Previous attempts to use stem cells to treat the consequences of infarction encountered two main difficulties. First, scientists failed to provide a mass degeneration of stem cells into the heart muscle cells - cardiomyocytes. In previous experiments, the number of cells differentiated in the right direction did not exceed one percent. In addition, it was not easy to ensure the survival of the cells obtained: most of them died shortly after the transplant, and without beginning to perform their functions.

With the help of two protein-growth factors, researchers managed to increase the efficiency of growing cardiomyocytes from embryonic cells to 90%. The obtained cells were transplanted into the cardiac muscle on a special skeleton, which ensured their attachment to the damaged area of ??the heart. In addition, a cocktail of chemicals was injected into the implantation site, which increased the cell life span and stimulated their growth and division.

The transplantation of stem cells in combination with a protective cocktail led to the formation of a full and rhythmically contracting flap of the heart muscle in 100% of the experimental rats.

According to the coordinator of the research project of Dr. Michael Laflamme, transplanted tissues not only took root in a new place, but also contributed to a more complete restoration of the heart after an infarction.

The next stage of the study will be testing a new technique for restoring the heart muscle in larger animals - pigs or sheep. Clinical trials involving volunteers as developers hope, can begin within the next two years.

Medicinform. Net.

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