Stem cell hope for heart patients
A PIONEERING stem cell treatment being developed in Yorkshire could see a massive increase in the number of heart patients living longer. Scientists from Sheffield University are developing the world’s first regenerative device to be inserted into diseased arteries. And they believe it could save thousands of lives.Coronary artery disease causes at least 6.9 million deaths worldwide each year and is the leading cause of premature death in the UK. Stent implantation – where a mini spring-like coil is fitted into furred up arteries in order to widen them and allow more blood through – is now the most common intervention for the disease.
But the stent has to be covered with chemicals so the body does not attack it and prevent the heart fully healing.
Now researchers at the university’s centre for stem cell biology are hoping to stop the defensive reaction by coating the stents with human stem cells.
Professor Harry Moore, who is leading the research, said: “The chemical process up to now is very good but it’s not helping the heart cells heal.
“Sometimes, as a result, the artery that is trying to expand constricts again. But, by using stem cells, you can fool the body into thinking it is its own renewal.
“We are hoping this will help us pioneer the next generation of stents which are more sophisticated.”
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