Randomized, double-blind pilot study of transendocardial injection of autologous aldehyde dehydrogenase-bright stem cells in patients with ischemic heart failure.

Background: The optimal type of stem cell for use in patients with ischemic heart disease has not been determined. A primitive population of bone marrow-derived hematopoietic cells has been isolated by the presence of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase and comprises a multilineage mix of stem and progenitor cells. Aldehyde dehydrogenase-bright (ALDH(br)) cells have shown promise in promoting angiogenesis and providing perfusion benefits in preclinical ischemia studies.

A randomized study of transendocardial injection of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells and cell function analysis in ischemic heart failure (FOCUS-HF).

Background: Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (ABMMNC) therapy has shown promise in patients with heart failure (HF). Cell function analysis may be important in interpreting trial results.

Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of the transendocardial delivery of ABMMNCs in no-option patients with chronic HF.