Stem cell-derived factors for treating pathologic conditions

1.3 million Americans experience a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction or AMI) each year. A significant percentage of these patients die from restricted blood flow to the heart (ischemia) and significant loss of cardiac function. Even with currently available treatments, such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), thrombolytic agents, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), 20-30% of AMI patients suffer heart failure. We have identified a protein factor, derived from stem cells, that confers a protective effect on cardiac cells, preventing cell death and reducing the amount of tissue damage caused by a heart attack. This factor can be used as an adjunct therapy in conjunction with the current standard treatments to improve patient survival and heart function.