Pathological evidence of stem cell regeneration in the heart

Cell replacement therapy does not seem to be a real alternative therapy in the clinical field, and many more experimental studies both in animal models and in humans have to be carried out on a larger scale. We need in fact a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of reparative therapy and answers to the many unsolved issues on the best cellular type to be used in relation to the patient’s profile and requirements; on the best delivery time windows in the acute and chronic phases; on the best delivery approach to ensure vitality and homing of the cells; on the adequate number of cells to be injected, on the survival rate of the injected cells in the short- and longterm follow-up; on the homing features of these cells in relation to the injured tissue; on the electromechanical properties of the differentiated cells.