Improving Heart Muscle Function [1]
The growth and replication of cardiomyocytes derived from stem cells is insufficient to permit regeneration of functioning heart tissue. In this study, the authors used stem cell-derived epicardial cells to facilitate myocardial regeneration. Tissues from such stem cells enhance the structure and function of heart muscle by improving contractility, calcium handling, and myofibril structure. In a rat heart model, this intervention produced functional improvements for up to three months.