Stem cells in cardiovascular diseases: turning bad days into good ones

During the past decade, several types of stem cells have been investigated as promising therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Among them, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were the most investigated stem cell population. Hundreds of clinical trials later, results remain disappointing and far from the revolutionary improvements expected for heart function. In the present review, we address strategies under investigation to boost MSC therapy for CVDs. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are also intended to reach clinical applications for CVDs, but here we suggest that, in the short term, the major impact of PSCs in the cardiovascular field might be at the bench and not the bedside.