The use of animals in stem cell research as a therapy of human cardiovascular diseases

 The use of animals in stem cell research as a therapy of human cardiovascular diseases

 (Dordia Anindita Rotinsulu)

The use of laboratory animals has long been an essential part of biomedical research, including for stem cell research. Research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine covers a broad spectrum of basic and translational studies, in which the use of animals has been and remains paramount. Animal-based research is at the center of both “proof-of-principle” experiments for cell-based interventions and the safety and efficacy tests required for approval of clinical trials. This poster provides the review of the current status of animal models for stem cells research as a therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Animal models that are used in stem cells research as a therapy of cardiovascular diseases include rodents, canine, porcine, and primates. A few animal model studies have shown that mobilized haematopoietic stem cells after myocardial infarction can differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Improvement in cardiac function has been reported. Animal model studies also showed that transplanted endothelial progenitor cells improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction, lead to better preservation of capillary density, and incorporate into sites of neovascularisation.

One of the most fundamental future challenges is to determine how appropriate animal models are to the human condition they are designed to represent. The comparatively short life span and fast growth of some animals makes it difficult to make claims about the longevity and effectiveness for humans of cell based therapies tested in rodents alone. Therefore, continuing extensive animal work to prepare for human application should be done in the future.

Keywords: stem cells, animal models, cardiovascular diseases.

Note:
Poster was presented by Dordia A. Rotinsulu at The International Summer Program of Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2011: Organ/Tissue Development and Regeneration: Fundamentals and Clinical Applications. Tokyo, Japan: 29th-31st August 2011.

Speakers and Participants of International Summer Program TMDU 2011

Participants of International Summer Program TMDU 2011

Prof Ichiro Sekiya and Dordia A Rotinsulu in from of the poster