This book provides an update of recent advances in the basic and clinical applications of cell-based therapies for myocardial repair and regeneration in ischemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure (HF). The first sections of the book illuminate basic aspects of stem cells such as definitions, isolation criteria and characterization of embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as pluripotent stem cells and tissue specific progenitor and stem cells. In the following section, the text examines the role of critical regulators of stem cell differentiation in myocardial regeneration, that include circadian rhythyms, microRNAs, epigenetics, microvescicles, and exosomes. The text concludes with a review of the use of stem/progenitor cells in cardiac regeneration and discuss current controversies, unresolved issues, challenges, and future directions. Stem Cells and Cardiac Regeneration is addressed to a wide audience consisting of cardiologists, clinicians, and research scientists, who will learn new concepts in cardiovascular regeneration and repair with special focus on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential for cardiovascular regeneration.

This book provides an update of recent advances in the basic and clinical applications of cell-based therapies for myocardial repair and regeneration in ischemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure (HF). The first sections of the book illuminate basic aspects of stem cells such as definitions, isolation criteria and characterization of embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as pluripotent stem cells and tissue specific progenitor and stem cells. In the following section, the text examines the role of critical regulators of stem cell differentiation in myocardial regeneration, that include circadian rhythyms, microRNAs, epigenetics, microvescicles, and exosomes. The text concludes with a review of the use of stem/progenitor cells in cardiac regeneration and discuss current controversies, unresolved issues, challenges, and future directions. Stem Cells and Cardiac Regeneration is addressed to a wide audience consisting of cardiologists, clinicians, and research scientists, who will learn new concepts in cardiovascular regeneration and repair with special focus on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential for cardiovascular regeneration.

Heart failure caused by atherosclerosis-associated myocardial ischemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries in spite of great progress in intervention and medications. Beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ventricular resynchronization therapy (biventricular pacing) and ventricular assist devices cannot fully prevent this disease. The research on possible alternative therapies, as well as novel strategies for non-invasive assessment of myocardial ischemia, continues actively in the 21st century and offers novel opportunities, some already in use through clinical practice. This book offers topics related to diagnosis and therapy of myocardial ischemia for a wide range of researchers in both academia and in the clinical field, for both undergraduate and graduate level students. Studies ranging from stem cell-based therapies to new promising biomarkers associated with coronary artery disease are discussed in depth. Non-invasive assessment of myocardial perfusion (Cardiac Magnetic Resonance), as well as diagnostic and prognostic role of cardiopulmonary stress test, are also covered. Leading experts give educated insight on myocardial ischemia in each chapter. It is envisioned that this book, with its proposition of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for myocardial ischemia, will inspire a wide range of researchers and physicians towards new explorations and applications in the field of ischemic heart disease