Mitochondrial Transfer from Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Diabetic Cardiomyocytes: A Novel Strategy to Mitigate Diabetic Cardiomyopathy 

Obwendo N. J.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired cardiac contractility. Conventional therapies fail to address the underlying bioenergetic deficits, necessitating novel strategies such as mitochondrial transfer from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to damaged cardiomyocytes. This review critically evaluated the mechanisms by which MSCs donate healthy mitochondria via tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), extracellular vesicles, or cell fusion, thereby restoring ATP production, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing cardiomyocyte survival in DCM. Preclinical studies in rodent models and in vitro systems demonstrate that MSC-mediated mitochondrial transfer improves cardiac function, mitigates fibrosis, and rescues bioenergetic failure. However, challenges such as transfer efficiency, immunogenicity, and delivery optimization must be addressed before clinical translation. Emerging technologies, including mitochondrial nanocarriers and engineered MSCs, offer promising solutions. By synthesizing current evidence, this review highlights the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial transfer while outlining key research directions for future investigation. This article was developed through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed preclinical studies, mechanistic insights, and emerging therapeutic strategies in mitochondrial medicine. If successfully translated, MSC-derived mitochondrial transfer could revolutionize DCM treatment by targeting its root cause rather than just symptoms. 

Keywords: Mitochondrial transfer, Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), Mitochondrial dysfunction, Cardioprotection. 

CITE AS: Obwendo N. J. (2025). Mitochondrial Transfer from Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Diabetic Cardiomyocytes: A Novel Strategy to Mitigate Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Research Output Journal of Engineering and Scientific Research 4(3): 39-42. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJESR/2025/4.3.3942