Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy and Its Application in Vascular Diseases

Stem cell therapy has recently emerged as an innovative therapeutic strategy for various vascular diseases. Stem cell therapy comprises a spectrum of cell-based regenerative strategies characterized by three sets of variables: (1) stem cell intrinsic properties (origin, type, isolation/induction, culture, and priming features); (2) therapy protocol (dose, concentration, administration route, adjuvants); and (3) patient characteristics (medical history, immune reaction, disease of interest). In this chapter, we introduce basic concepts regarding stem cell therapy: stem cell types and origin, mechanisms of regeneration, isolation, cell culture and priming, administration routes, and therapeutic risks. We also discuss the effects and interactions between these variables as well as their impact in the treatment of vascular diseases.