RESUMEN
Hb E-Saskatoon [ß22(B4)GluâLys, HBB: c.67G > A] is a rare, nonpathological ß-globin variant that was first described in a Canadian woman of Scottish and Dutch ancestry and has since then been detected in several populations. The aim of the present study was to identify the origin of Hb E-Saskatoon in Brazil using ß-globin haplotypes and genetic ancestry in carriers of this hemoglobin (Hb) variant. Blood samples were investigated by isoelectric focusing (IEF) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using commercial kits. Hb E-Saskatoon was confirmed by amplification of the HBB gene, followed by sequence analysis. Haplotypes of the ß-globin gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by digestion with specific restriction enzymes. Individual ancestry was estimated with 48 biallelic insertion/deletions using three 16-plex PCR amplifications. The IEF pattern was similar to Hbs C (HBB: c.19G > A) and Hb E (HBB: c.79G > A) [isoelectric point (pI): 7.59-7.65], and HPLC results showed an elution in the Hb S (HBB: c.20A > T) window [retention time (RT): 4.26-4.38]. DNA sequencing of the amplified ß-globin gene showed a mutation at codon 22 (GAA>AAA) corresponding to Hb E-Saskatoon. A total of 11 cases of this variant were identified. In nine unrelated individuals, Hb E-Saskatoon was in linkage disequilibrium with haplotype 2 [+ - - - -]. All subjects showed a high degree of European contribution (mean = 0.85). Hb E-Saskatoon occurred on the ß-globin gene of haplotype 2 in all Brazilian carriers. These findings suggest a different genetic origin for this Hb variant from that previously described.
Asunto(s)
Frecuencia de los Genes , Hemoglobina E/genética , Epidemiología Molecular/métodos , Brasil , Variación Genética , Haplotipos , Hemoglobinopatías/genética , Hemoglobinas Anormales/genéticaRESUMEN
Sickle cell hemoglobin is the result of a mutation at the sixth amino acid position of the beta (ß) globin chain. The HBB*S gene is in linkage disequilibrium with five main haplotypes in the ß-globin-like gene cluster named according to their ethnic and geographic origins: Bantu (CAR), Benin (BEN), Senegal (SEN), Cameroon (CAM) and Arabian-Indian (ARAB). These haplotypes demonstrated that the sickle cell mutation arose independently at least five times in human history. The distribution of ßS haplotypes among Brazilian populations showed a predominance of the CAR haplotype. American populations were clustered in two groups defined by CAR or BEN haplotype frequencies. This scenario is compatible with historical records about the slave trade in the Americas. When all world populations where the sickle cell gene occurs were analyzed, three clusters were disclosed based on CAR, BEN or ARAB haplotype predominance. These patterns may change in the next decades due to recent migrations waves. Since these haplotypes show different clinical characteristics, these recent migrations events raise the necessity to develop optimized public health programs for sickle cell disease screening and management.
RESUMEN
Hemoglobinopathies are the most common inherited disorders in humans; the most frequent are hemoglobins S and C (Hb S and Hb C). Studies in Brazil show the high prevalence of Hb S and Hb C heterozygotes, indicating the need for diagnosis to allow medical care and suitable genetic counseling. This study evaluates the prevalence of hemoglobin patterns in different areas of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, using neonatal data from the public health system. Blood samples from 117,320 newborns, obtained by heel stick, and 2,389 blood samples from parents of newborns, obtained by venopuncture, were submitted to IEF and HPLC. Among the newborns, 1,629 (1.4%) showed abnormal hemoglobin patterns: 1,342 FAS; 225 FAC; 45 FAD; 2 FSC; 1 FS and 26 variant hemoglobin heterozygotes. We conclude that the methods used are able to identify a broad variety of hemoglobin patterns with high specificity and sensitivity. The information is of paramount importance for transmitting knowledge in the public health field, besides facilitating planning and resource allocation.
Asunto(s)
Hemoglobinopatías/diagnóstico , Tamizaje Neonatal/métodos , Anemia de Células Falciformes/diagnóstico , Anemia de Células Falciformes/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Hemoglobinopatías/epidemiología , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Focalización Isoeléctrica , Prevalencia , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
ABSTRACT Introdution: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a genetic disorder of hematopoietic stem cells, resulting in a myeloproliferative expansion of blood cells. CML is associated with the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), generating an oncogene (BCR-ABL). The current treatment of choice is imatinib mesylate (IM). Objective: To correlate serum levels of MI with hematological parameters in patients with CML. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study in patients treated for CML. Serum level of IM was determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: We studied 55 CML patients - 24 men (43.6%) and 31 women (56.4 %) - with a mean age of 54 years, who used IM. Among these, 45 patients were in the chronic phase (81.6 %); seven, in the accelerated phase (13.1%); and three, in the blast crisis (5.2%). Patients received a mean IM dose of 434 mg/day. Serum levels of the patients presented an average of 1,092 ± 617 ng/ml, and, in all, 47 patients (85.4%) had hematologic response (HR). Conclusion: There was no correlation between the number of leukocytes, platelets and hemoglobin and the serum level of IM, although there is a trend with respect to hemoglobin (p = 0.062).
RESUMO Introdução: Leucemia mieloide crônica (LMC) é uma desordem genética de células-tronco hematopoiéticas, resultando em uma expansão mieloproliferativa das células sanguíneas. A LMC está associada à presença do cromossomo Philadelphia (Ph), o que gera um oncogene (BCR-ABL). Atualmente, o tratamento de primeira escolha é o mesilato de imatinibe (MI). Objetivo: Correlacionar os níveis séricos de MI com parâmetros hematológicos em pacientes com LMC. Método: Estudo transversal retrospectivo em pacientes com LMC em tratamento. O nível sérico de MI foi determinado por um sistema de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de arranjo de diodos (CLAE-DAD), e a análise estatística foi realizada no programa SPSS versão 20.0. Resultados: Foram estudados 55 pacientes - 24 homens (43,6%) e 31 mulheres (56,4%) - com média de idade de 54 anos, portadores de LMC que utilizavam MI. Destes, 45 encontravam-se em fase crônica (81,6%); sete, em fase acelerada (13,1%) e três, em crise blástica (5,2%). Os pacientes em questão receberam uma média de dose do MI de 434 mg/dia. O nível sérico dos pacientes apresentou média de 1.092 ± 617 ng/ml e, ao todo, 47 pacientes (85,4%) apresentaram resposta hematológica (RH). Conclusão: Não houve correlação do número de leucócitos, plaquetas e hemoglobina com o nível sérico de MI, embora exista uma tendência observada com relação à hemoglobina (p = 0,062).
RESUMEN
AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in South Brazil. METHODS: Samples of dried blood spots collected by heel prick in neonates were evaluated by isoeletric focusing and/or high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. All variants were characterized at the molecular level. RESULTS: A total of 437,787 samples were evaluated. Among these, 6391 showed an abnormal hemoglobin pattern. These included 48 cases (0.01%) of sickle cell disorders (33 hemoglobin SS [Hb SS], 7 Hb SC, 7 Hb S/beta thalassemia, 1 Hb SD), 1 neonate who was homozygous for beta thalassemia, 6272 (1.4%) newborns who were heterozygous for Hb S, C, or D, and 71 (0.02%) neonates who were carriers for rare hemoglobin variants. Most of these rare variants were identified for the first time in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing these results with those obtained in other Brazilian regions, we observe a highly heterogeneous distribution. This knowledge is useful in healthcare planning and allocation of resources, as well as identifying at-risk couples, which will assist with disease prevention.
Asunto(s)
Hemoglobinopatías/diagnóstico , Tamizaje Neonatal/métodos , Brasil , Análisis Mutacional de ADN , Frecuencia de los Genes , Geografía , Recursos en Salud/economía , Recursos en Salud/provisión & distribución , Hemoglobinopatías/genética , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Salud Pública/economía , Globinas beta/análisis , Globinas beta/genéticaRESUMEN
Alpha thalassemia has not been systematically investigated in Brazil. In this study, 493 unrelated individuals from the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul were screened for deletional forms of α-thalassemia. One hundred and one individuals had microcytic anemia (MCV < 80 fL) and a normal hemoglobin pattern (Hb A (2) < 3.5% and Hb F < 1%). The subjects were screened for - α(3.7) , - α(4.2) , - α(20.5) , - (SEA) and - (MED) deletions but only the - α(3.7) allele was detected. The - α(3.7) allele frequency in Brazilians of European and African ancestry was 0.02 and 0.12, respectively, whereas in individuals with microcytosis the frequency was 0.20. The prevalence of α-thalassemia was significantly higher in individuals with microcytosis than in healthy individuals (p = 0.001), regardless of their ethnic origin. There were also significant differences in the hematological parameters of individuals with - α(3.7) / αα, - α(3.7) /- α(3.7) and ß-thalassemia trait compared to healthy subjects. These data suggest that α-thalassemia is an important cause of microcytosis and mild anemia in Brazilians.
RESUMEN
We have evaluated the mutation profile in a sample of 127 unrelated beta-thalassemia (beta thal) individuals, diagnosed through A2 and fetal hemoglobin quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from the Brazilian southernmost state, where a flow of Italian immigrants had occurred in the late 19th century, mainly from Northern Italy. The molecular analysis was performed by DNA sequencing of the most common mutations found in the Mediterranean region. The beta 0 codon 39 nonsense mutation was the most frequent alteration (50.9%), followed by beta+ IVSI 110 G>A (18.1%), beta 0 IVSI 1 G>A (12.9%), beta+ IVSI 6 T>C (9.5%), and other rare mutations (8.6%). The chosen gene sequence was able to identify 91% beta-thal mutations in the population studied, showing some similarity with allele frequencies of the mainly colonizing countries of Rio Grande do Sul state. The comparison of our results to other Brazilian studies has shown significant differences. Therefore, we can conclude that the genotypic profile of beta-thal shows great variability. Hence, it would be arbitrary to infer regional study results as being representative of the Brazilian whole population. Brazilian researchers of different regions should identify their most frequent genotypes to provide better understanding on this disease and state adequate public health policies.
Asunto(s)
Globinas/genética , Fenotipo , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple/genética , Talasemia beta/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Brasil/epidemiología , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mutación/genética , Talasemia beta/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Alpha thalassemia has not been systematically investigated in Brazil. In this study, 493 unrelated individuals from the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul were screened for deletional forms of α-thalassemia. One hundred and one individuals had microcytic anemia (MCV < 80 fL) and a normal hemoglobin pattern (Hb A2 < 3.5 percent and Hb F < 1 percent). The subjects were screened for -α3.7,-α4.2,-α20.5, -SEA and -MED deletions but only the -α3.7 allele was detected. The -α3.7 allele frequency in Brazilians of European and African ancestry was 0.02 and 0.12, respectively, whereas in individuals with microcytosis the frequency was 0.20. The prevalence of α-thalassemia was significantly higher in individuals with microcytosis than in healthy individuals (p = 0.001), regardless of their ethnic origin. There were also significant differences in the hematological parameters of individuals with -α3.7/αα, -α3.7/α3.7 and β-thalassemia trait compared to healthy subjects. These data suggest that α-thalassemia is an important cause of microcytosis and mild anemia in Brazilians.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Talasemia alfa , Brasil , Genotipo , Hemoglobinas , Microcystis , PoblaciónRESUMEN
O chumbo é um dos elementos mais abundantes da natureza. Atualmente o chumbo é muito utilizado na manufatura de baterias, latão e bronze, radiadores, soldas, cabos, tintas, corantes, cerâmicas, munição, entre outros. A intoxicação do chumbo é chamada de saturnismo e está na maioria das vezes relacionada à atividade profissional. O chumbo pode causar alterações neurológicas, hematológicas, renais, cardíacas e reprodutivas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os níveis sanguíneos de 53 trabalhadores expostos ocupacionalmente ao chumbo, com grupo controle não exposto a agentes químicos ou físicos, avaliando dosagem de chumbo sérico, contagem de eritrócitos, hematócrito, dosagem de hemoglobina e idade. Com relação ao chumbo sérico, dentre o grupo exposto ocupacionalmente ao metal, 20,8 por cento dos trabalhadores apresentavam valores até 40 µg/dL, 35,8 por cento obtiveram resultados entre 40 µg/dL e 60 µg/dL, e 43,4 por cento apresentaram valores de chumbo sérico acima de 60 µg/dL. Já no grupo controle, todas as amostras apresentaram valores abaixo de 40 µg/dL de chumbo sérico. Com relação à hemoglobina, 7,5 por cento dos trabalhadores do grupo controle e 34,0 por cento dos expostos apresentaram valores abaixo de 13 g/dL, com diferença estatisticamente significativa. Os resultados indicam que níveis elevados de chumbo estão relacionados com valores de hemoglobina abaixo dos índices de referência.
Lead is one of the most abundant elements in nature. Currently, it is widely used in the manufacture of batteries, brass and bronze, radiators, solders, cables, paints and dyes, ceramics, and ammunition, among other things. Lead intoxication is called saturnism and is most often related to professional activities. Lead can cause neurological, hematological, renal, cardiac and reproductive disorders. The aim of this study was to compare blood parameters of 53 workers with work-related exposure to lead with a control group of individuals not exposed to chemical or physical agents. Serum lead levels, red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels and age were evaluated. In respect to serum lead levels, of the group with work-related exposure to the metal, 20.8 percent of the workers had values of up to 40 µg/dL, 35.8 percent presented with values between 40 µg/dL and 60 µg/dL and 43.4 percent above 60 µg/dL. In the control group, all samples presented values below 40 µg/dL. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups, as 7.5 percent of workers in the control group and 34.0 percent of workers with occupational exposure presented with hemoglobin levels lower than 13 g/dL. These results indicate that high levels of lead are related to hemoglobin values below the normal range.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Adolescente , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anemia , Intoxicación por Plomo , Exposición Profesional , Salud LaboralRESUMEN
A anemia é um estado caracterizado pela redução nos parâmetros hematológicos, entre eles hemoglobina e hematócrito, a qual pode ser ou não seguido pela deficiência de micronutrientes essenciais, entre eles ácido fólico, a vitamina B12 e/ou o ferro. Entretanto, esta deficiência é um problema ao diagnóstico correto da anemia, desde que este estado é caracterizado por ajustes fisiológicosa fim fornecer uma adaptação melhor ao bebê. Neste estudo foram avaliadas 102 gestantes, de períodos gestacionais diferentes, atendidas em serviços públicos do Rio Grande do Sul. Este estudo teve por finalidade pesquisar os níveis de anemia através de exameslaboratoriais, os quais buscaram avaliar os parâmetros hematológicos, bem como dosar as quantidades de ferro, vitamina B12 e ácido fólico. Através dos resultados pode-se observar que apenas 13,6% das grávidas foram consideradas anêmicas, quando utilizadovalor de hemoglobina inferior a 11g/dl. Entretanto quando avaliada a deficiência de ferro, 38.2% foram consideradas ferropênicas, utilizando-se valores de ferritina inferiores a 15 ng/ml. Apesar de mais estudos serem necessários, estes resultados mostram que sempre quando avaliada a anemia em gestantes, deve-se optar por mais de um método laboratorial, a fim de melhorar a qualidade de vida tanto da mãe quanto do bebê.
Anemia is a state characterized by the reduction in haematologic parameters, i.e. hemoglobin and hematocrit, which can or not be followed by the deficiency of essential micronutrients, i.e. folic acid, vitamin B12 and/or iron. However, this deficiency is a problem to the correct diagnosis of anemia, since this state is characterized by physiological adjustments in order to supply a betteradaptation to the baby. In this study 102 pregnant women were evaluated, from different pregnancy periods, assisted in public services of the Rio Grande do Sul. The purpose of this study was to search the levels of anemia by means of laboratorial examinations,through haematologic parameters, as well as dosing the amounts of iron, B12 vitamin and folic acid. Through the results it can be observed that only 13.6% of the pregnant were considered anemic, when used hemoglobin values < 11g/dl. However when evaluatedthe iron deficiency, 38.2% were considered deficient in iron, using inferior values of ferritin < 15 ng/ml. Although more studies are necessary,these results show that always when anemia is evaluated in pregnancy women, it must be chosen more than one laboratorial method, in order to improve mothers and babys quality live.
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Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Anemia Ferropénica , Técnicas de Laboratorio Clínico , Enfermedades Carenciales , Deficiencia de Ácido Fólico , Micronutrientes , Anemias Nutricionales , Mujeres Embarazadas , Nutrición Prenatal , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
INTRODUÇÃO: O processo inflamatório desempenha um importante papel na etiologia das doenças cardiovasculares. Muitos estudos demonstram que níveis elevados de proteína C-reativa (PCR), uma proteína hepática de fase aguda, estão associados ao risco de tais eventos. Objetivos: Investigar a existência de associação entre PCR e fatores de risco cardiovascular em mulheres idosas MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram realizadas avaliações antropométricas, impedanciometria, verificação de pressão arterial, mensurações de perfil lipídico, glicemia em jejum e PCR. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que a PCR esteve relacionada com índice de massa corporal (p = 0,001) e com percentual de gordura corporal (p = 0,015), não apresentando relação significativa com nenhuma outra variável estudada. DISCUSSÃO: A associação entre PCR e marcadores de obesidade é consenso na literatura, podendo, no entanto, não significar verdadeira progressão da aterosclerose ou de um estado inflamatório. Em relação à inexistência de associação com os demais fatores de risco cardiovascular observada neste estudo, os dados encontrados são conflitantes. Há autores que indicam a correlação entre PCR e tais fatores; outros apontam sua inexistência. CONCLUSÕES: Este trabalho demonstra a associação da PCR a marcadores de obesidade, mas não a outros fatores de risco cardiovascular.
BACKGROUND: The inflammatory process plays an important role in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have shown that high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a hepatic acute phase protein, are associated with the risk of such diseases. OBJECTIVES: In this study we investigated the existence of association between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors in elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Anthropometric data, body impedance, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting glucose and CRP levels were evaluated. RESULTS: We observed that CRP was linked with body mass index (p = 0.001) and body fat percentage (p = 0.015) and there was no significant connection with any other studied variable. DISCUSSION: The association between CRP and measures of obesity is a consensus in literature. However, it may not show a true progression of atherosclerosis or an inflammatory state. Regarding the inexistence of association with other cardiovascular risk factors observed in this study, the gathered data are conflicting. Some authors indicate correlation between PCR and such factors, whereas others point out its inexistence. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the association of CRP with obesity, but not with other cardiovascular risk factors.
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Humanos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/etiología , Proteína C-Reactiva/análisis , Factores de Riesgo , Inflamación/enzimología , Biomarcadores/análisis , Obesidad/sangre , Valor Predictivo de las PruebasRESUMEN
As hemoglobinopatias são as desordens hereditárias mais comuns nos seres humanos, sendo que as mais freqüentes são as hemoglobinas S e C (Hb S e Hb C). Estudos realizados no Brasil mostram a alta prevalência de heterozigotos para Hb S e Hb C, indicando a necessidade de seu diagnóstico, permitindo o atendimento médico e o aconselhamento genético adequados. O presente estudo avaliou a prevalência dos padrões hemoglobínicos em diferentes regiões do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, obtidos de recém-nascidos atendidos pela rede de saúde pública. Amostras de sangue coletadas sob papel filtro de 117.320 recém-nascidos e de 2.389 pais de recém-nascidos foram avaliadas por FIE e HPLC. Dentre os recém-nascidos, 1.629 (1,4 por cento) apresentaram padrão hemoglobínico alterado: 1.342 FAS, 225 FAC, 45 FAD, 2 FSC, 1 FS e 26 heterozigotos para variantes raras. Concluiu-se que os métodos utilizados são capazes de identificar com alta especificidade e sensibilidade uma grande variedade de padrões hemoglobínicos. As informações são importantes para tornar possível o planejamento e alocação de recursos, além de ser um mecanismo de transmissão de conhecimentos para profissionais de saúde.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Recién Nacido , Hemoglobinopatías/diagnóstico , Tamizaje Neonatal/métodos , Anemia de Células Falciformes/diagnóstico , Anemia de Células Falciformes/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Hemoglobinopatías/epidemiología , Focalización Isoeléctrica , Prevalencia , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
As leucemias agudas caracterizam-se pela proliferação clonal e pelo bloqueio maturativo das células hematopoéticas, com substituição difusa da medula óssea por células neoplásicas. A leucemia mielóide aguda (LMA) é um grupo heterogêneo de doenças clonais do tecido hematopoético, que acomete predominantemente idosos acima de 60 anos de idade. A LMA apresenta oito subtipos distintos morfologicamente: LMA M0 a M7. Os métodos diagnósticos para identificação da LMA e classificação dos subtipos são baseados em critérios morfológicos, citoquímicos e de imunofenotipagem, acrescidos de análise genética. Além de ser importante para a diferenciação do tipo da linhagem da leucemia, se mielóide (LMA) ou linfóide (LLA), o diagnóstico é também de grande importância para identificar a leucemia bifenotípica aguda (BAL). O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre LMA, dando ênfase aos métodos laboratoriais utilizados para a sua identificação e diferenciação.
RESUMEN
Para estabelecer a freqüência de hemoglobinopatias e talassemias em pacientes com anemia não ferropênica foram estudados 58 casos de pacientes comprovadamente com anemia não ferropênica e 235 controles obtidos de pessoas sem anemia. Todas as amostras foram obtidas do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), RS, Brasil. As técnicas realizadas foram eletroforese em acetato de celulose, pH alcalino, pesquisa citológica de Hb H, HPLC, hemograma e ferritina. A análise dos dados realizada no grupo de pacientes com anemia não ferropênica demonstrou que 63,8 por cento eram portadores de alguma forma de anemia hereditária: 25,9 por cento de talassemia alfa heterozigota, 32,8 por cento de talassemia beta heterozigota, 3,4 por cento de heterozigose para hemoglobina S (Hb AS) e 1,7 por cento de homozigose para hemoglobina C (Hb CC). No grupo dos controles, foram identificados 14,1 por cento de anemias hereditárias, sendo destas 11,5 por cento de talassemia alfa, 0,9 por cento de talassemia beta, 1,3 por cento de heterozigose para hemoglobina S (Hb AS) e 0,4 por cento de heterozigose para hemoglobina C (Hb AC). Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que a prevalência de talassemias e hemoglobinas variantes no grupo controle é coincidente com a descrita na literatura. Entretanto, a excepcional prevalência dessas hemopatias hereditárias em pessoas com anemia não ferropênica deve ser divulgada entre médicos e serviços de saúde dada a sua importância no diagnóstico definitivo de anemia e dos corretos procedimentos terapêuticos.
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Masculino , Femenino , Preescolar , Niño , Adolescente , Adulto , Humanos , Anemia , Hemoglobinopatías , Talasemia , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are capable of both self-renewal and giving rise to several cell types. Cardiovascular disease is the most important cause of death in westerns society and, in spite of therapeutic advances in traditional medicine, it has not been possible to recover the original cardiac function. Similarly, Chagas' disease is an important cause of heart failure in Latin America. The differentiation capacity of stem cells makes them an important source of cells for the regeration of cardiac tissue. Research using animal models of myocardial infarction has shown promissing results for the use of stem cells in heart disease therapy. Recent clinical trials have shown the safety and benefit of therapy with stem cells in cardiac regeneration. Research in this field is still in the early stages and needs to be consolidated to permit wider use of stem cells in clinical medicine. Nevertheless, cell therapy has been shown to have potential as a new approach in the treatment of heart disease, which takes the lives of millions people around the world.