Adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells: Innovative options for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 17.9 million lives each year. They include acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The cardiology societies have published recommendations on their management, advocating for lifestyle modifications and secondary preventive treatment. Although current therapies have demonstrated significant benefits, many individuals continue to experience a decline in their quality of life because the available options are palliative. Regarding this scenario, the stem cell characteristics and properties, especially those of adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, have been studied as alternatives for these pathologies. Even though there are many preclinical and clinical trials associated with this biotechnological approach, significant clinical and technical obstacles remain, including the lack of standardized protocols, variability in clinical outcomes, and difficulty achieving functional, lasting integration of transplanted cells into cardiac tissue. Additionally, factors such as the patient's health status, age, pre-existing conditions, the administered cell type, and the administration method are crucial to the treatment's effectiveness. Consequently, it is essential to continue researching these therapies to ensure that, when applied to humans, they are safe and effective, as patients expect.