The Mechanism of Action of MSCs and iPSCs in Cardiovascular Aging-Targeting Cardiomyocytes and Endothelial Cells

Abstract

The aging of the cardiovascular system is an important contributor to heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, which specifically manifests in the decline of myocardial cell function, endothelial cell injury and regeneration ability. These changes not only affect the structural integrity of the heart and blood vessels, but also disrupt their normal function, ultimately leading to an imbalance in cardiovascular homeostasis and an increase in disease susceptibility. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have shown great potential in cardiovascular regenerative medicine. MSCs can delay myocardial and vascular aging by secreting exosomes, regulating immunity, and improving the microenvironment. iPSCs can differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells and endothelial-like cells, which can be used for tissue repair and functional reconstruction. This article mainly focuses on the targeted mechanisms of MSC and iPSC on cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, exploring their potential applications in cardiovascular aging intervention.