ABSTRACT
In exploring therapeutic options for ischemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure, cell-based cardiac repair has gained prominence. This systematic review delves into the current state of knowledge surrounding cell-based therapies for cardiac repair. Employing a comprehensive search across relevant databases, the study identifies 35 included studies with diverse cell types and methodologies. Encouragingly, these findings reveal the promise of cell-based therapies in cardiac repair, demonstrating significant enhancements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) across the studies. Mechanisms of action involve growth factors that stimulate angiogenesis, differentiation, and the survival of transplanted cells. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges persist, including low engraftment rates, limitations in cell differentiation, and variations in clinical reproducibility. The optimal dosage and frequency of cell administration remain subjects of debate, with potential benefits from repeated dosing. Additionally, the choice between autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation poses a critical decision. This systematic review underscores the potential of cell-based therapies for cardiac repair, bearing implications for innovative treatments in heart diseases. However, further research is imperative to optimize cell type selection, delivery techniques, and long-term efficacy, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of cell-based cardiac repair.
ABSTRACT
Amniotic constriction band (ACB) is an uncommon clinical concept with different presentations specific to each patient with clinical symptoms may include ring constrictions, digital defects, natural limb amputations, and visceral defects. The etiology of this defect is not fully understood. We present a full-term newborn boy who was born by vaginal delivery to a healthy mother. At birth, amniotic bands encircled and constricted his upper and lower limbs. At two and six months of gestation, the mother gave a unique obstetric history of recurrent exposure to her infected daughter, which was diagnosed later as a case of atypical M. pneumoniae. This raises suspicion that M. pnemoniae may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ACB and the hypothesis related to its origin. The inquiry in our case is whether M. pneumoniae might have been a non-aberrant teratogen and caused subclinical chorioamnionitis that leads to early rupture of amniotic membranes and result in the proposed defects. As far as we know, this is the first case reported in the literature that combines gestational exposure to M. pneumoniae and postpartum isolated amniotic constrictions and minor digital defects in Saudi Arabia newborns. In addition, we discussed the possible underlying causes and reviewed the published literature on this defect.
