Scientists Prove Human Heart Can Regenerate Cells After Heart Attack

An international team of researchers has demonstrated for the first time that the human heart retains a natural capacity for cardiomyocyte division after a myocardial infarction. Until now, this regenerative mechanism had been observed only in laboratory mice, with no direct evidence in humans.

To obtain proof, scientists analyzed tissue samples collected directly during coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with ischemic heart disease. The biopsy methodology, developed by professors Paul Bannon and Sean Lal, enabled comparison of infarcted and relatively healthy regions within the same heart.

Several proteins previously associated with cardiac muscle regeneration in animal models were identified in the human samples. Their presence confirms sustained mitotic activity of cardiomyocytes in response to ischemic injury.

"Ultimately, our goal is to use this discovery to create new heart cells that can 'turn back' the development of heart failure," said Professor Sean Lal.

The findings are published in the context of a search for strategies capable not merely of slowing disease progression but of initiating true restoration of functional cardiac mass. Next steps involve elucidating the regulatory pathways controlling this capacity and developing pharmacological approaches to enhance it.