Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Therapy for Ischemic Heart Disease in Animal Model: A Meta-Analysis

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) poses a significant challenge in cardiovascular health, with current treatments showing limited success. Induced pluripotent derived–cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) therapy within regenerative medicine offers potential for IHD patients, although its clinical impacts remain uncertain. This study utilizes meta-analysis to assess iPSC-CM outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety in IHD animal model studies. A meta-analysis encompassing PUBMED, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases, from inception until October 2023, investigated iPSC therapy effects on cardiac function and safety outcomes. Among 51 eligible studies involving 1012 animals, despite substantial heterogeneity, the iPSC-CM transplantation improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by 8.23% (95% CI, 7.15 to 9.32%; p < 0.001) compared to control groups. Additionally, cell-based treatment reduced the left ventricle fibrosis area and showed a tendency to reduce left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). No significant differences emerged in mortality and arrhythmia risk between iPSC-CM treatment and control groups. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates iPSC-CM therapy’s promise as a safe and beneficial intervention for enhancing heart function in IHD. However, due to observed heterogeneity, the efficacy of this treatment must be further explored through large randomized controlled trials based on rigorous research design.