Stem Cell Therapy Approaches for Ischemia: Assessing Current Innovations and Future Directions

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jun 30;26(13):6320. doi: 10.3390/ijms26136320.

Abstract

Characterized by insufficient blood supply leading to tissue hypoxia and damage, ischemia is the underlying cause of major conditions such as ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease. Stem cell therapy, as a regenerative strategy, demonstrates significant potential in restoring tissue blood flow and organ function in ischemic environments. This review systematically explores the latest advances in stem cell therapy for ischemic diseases, focusing on different cell types and their mechanisms of action, including direct differentiation, paracrine signaling, immunomodulation, and microenvironment regulation. Furthermore, it highlights innovations in gene editing and bioengineering technologies that enhance cell delivery, targeting, and therapeutic efficacy. Simultaneously, this article discusses the challenges faced, advances in cell tracking and delivery, and future research directions, aiming to provide insights for the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies.

Keywords: clinical outcome; ischemic; stem cell; therapy mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Editing
  • Humans
  • Ischemia* / therapy
  • Stem Cell Transplantation* / methods
  • Stem Cell Transplantation* / trends
  • Stem Cells / cytology