UCalgary research investigates the role of stem cells in healing the heart after heart attack

According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, each year around 60,000 Canadians experience their first heart attack. Heart attacks happen when blockages in the coronary arteries prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart, leading to cell death and scarring. This damage can eventually result in heart failure. 

While heart tissue damage is currently irreversible, researchers at the University of Calgary are working to change that.

Dr. Vaibhav Patel, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), is investigating whether specialized stem cells found in the adipose (fatty) tissue surrounding the heart can help repair heart tissue. 

Patel and co-principal investigator Dr. Paul Fedak, MD, PhD, a professor in the departments of Cardiac Sciences and Surgery at CSM, recently received a Canadian Institutes of Health Research project grant to conduct this work. Their project ranked first in the pan-Canadian competition.

“The goal of the project is to understand the mechanisms behind damage to the heart that occurs after a heart attack and to find ways to reverse that damage,” says Patel. “We believe that these stem cells might be the first line of defense for the heart following a heart attack.” 

According to Fedak, some patients heal better after heart attacks. Over the past several years, researchers have found numerous cells in and surrounding the heart with healing potential, but they have also found that potential is decreased in patients with comorbidities like Type 2 diabetes and inflammation. 

The researchers say that’s what makes this such an important project. 

“Understanding the mechanisms is critical in allowing us to develop therapies to stimulate these healing cells and improve patient outcomes,” says Fedak. 

Exciting preliminary data from the Patel lab reveals that these unique stem cells found in the fatty tissue surrounding the heart can indeed promote cardiac repair after a heart attack. The lab’s research has also shown that, in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, this function is impaired. 

Patel suspects the adipose tissue is dysfunctional in individuals with diabetes. He also theorizes these stem cells may be involved in promoting the formation of new blood vessels in the heart. 

Patel said the team will use animal models and human adipose tissue — collected from local cardiac surgery patients as part of Fedak’s translational research program — to test their hypotheses. 

“We are looking at finding the magic factor that’s cardioprotective,” says Patel. “If we can narrow it down, we can use that information to develop personalized therapies that will improve outcomes for patients after a heart attack, particularly those with Type 2 diabetes.”

Patel notes this project wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. Fedak agrees. 

“Pure basic scientists are best at understanding and examining the cellular and molecular pathways, while translational clinician scientists like me can help understand the course of the disease in a patient,” says Fedak. “Collaboration allows us to make important scientific discoveries that can change outcomes for patients.” 

Patel says this project wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of local philanthropists Michael and Terry Wilson. 

“We were able to leverage support received from the Michael and Terry Wilson Cardiovascular Research Innovation Fund through the Libin Cardiovascular Institute to secure this CIHR grant,” says Patel. “I am so grateful for the support we received.”