MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY: MECHANISMS, CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
ALIN CONSTANTIN PINZARIU 1, MINELA AIDA MARANDUCA 1, CRISTINA ARSENE 1*, ANDREEA CLIM 1, IRENE PAULA POPA 1, NINA FILIP 1, ROXANA MOSCALU 2, RADU PETRU SOROCEANU 1, DANIEL VASILE TIMOFTE 1, MIHAELA MOSCALU 1, BOGDAN HUZUM 1, DRAGOMIR NICOLAE SERBAN 1, IONELA LACRAMIOARA SERBAN 1
1 Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115, Iaşi, România
2 Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy due to their immunomodulatory, regenerative, and angiogenic properties. Unlike conventional pharmacological treatments that primarily target symptoms, MSCs offer a disease-modifying approach by addressing the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases. This review explores the pharmacological mechanisms of MSC therapy, emphasising their role in paracrine signalling, cytokine modulation, angiogenesis, and myocardial regeneration. MSCs exert their effects predominantly through the secretion of growth factors, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and exosomes, influencing cardiomyocyte survival, vascular repair, and immune regulation. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest that MSC therapy can improve left ventricular function, reduce infarct size, and enhance myocardial perfusion, particularly in ischemic heart disease (IHD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). However, challenges remain regarding optimal cell delivery methods, patient selection, and long-term safety. As research advances, further large-scale clinical trials and genetic or pharmacological enhancements of MSCs will be critical for refining their clinical applications and integration into standard cardiovascular therapy.
