Implantation of porcine amniotic epithelial cells model for myocardial infarction combined with cardiomyocyte therapy of pigs (Sus scrofa domestica).

Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common heart disorder in patients with cardiovascular disease. Obstruction of blood flow to the heart causes ischemia and results in heart pump failure.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effects of porcine amniotic epithelial cell (pAEC)-based stem cell therapy alone and in combination with cardiomyocytes to understand its potential benefits in MI treatment.

Methods: In this study, we conducted MI therapy using pluripotent stem cells derived from the amnion (AEC) implanted into the infarcted heart. Nine domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica), aged 3-4 months and weighing 35-40 kg, were used as models. The animal models were divided into three groups: the placebo MI group, the MI group treated with pAEC stem cells, and the MI group treated with amniotic epithelial stem cells combined with cardiomyocyte cells. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulsed wave (PW) Doppler, and biomarker examinations were performed to evaluate the effects of stem cell intervention on MI.

Results: Single pAEC stem cell therapy and its combination with cardiomyocytes in MI lesions demonstrated improvements in VTI, particularly renal artery, mitral, and tricuspid valve compared to untreated infarction (placebo). Notably, single pAEC therapy significantly improved more than combining them with cardiomyocytes.

Conclusion: Treatment with AEC stem cells alone resulted in more significant improvements in heart valve function and large blood vessels compared to combining AEC with cardiomyocytes. This study allowed us to understand better the effects of stem cell therapy on blood hemodynamics and biomarker parameters of heart injury.