The application of stem cell therapy for ischemic heart disease has aroused widespread interest. There have been many experimental studies concerning a variety of tissue stem cells such as bone marrow，blood，skin and skeletalmuscle stem cells，and their origins, differentiation and protein expressions are compared. In recent years，it is found that adipose-derived stromal cells （ADSCs） have potential advantages over other types of stem cells in that they are widely available and easily harvested through a simple liposuction procedure，and have a high regenerative capacity and therapeuticpotential for myocardial infarction. This review describes molecular and biological properties of ADSCs，their differentiationpotential，and regenerative and therapeutic potential for myocardial repair.