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Boheler KR, Meli AC, Yang HT. Special issue on recent progress with hPSC-derived cardiovascular cells for organoids, engineered myocardium, drug discovery, disease models, and therapy. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:983-988. [PMID: 34131786 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Boheler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Albano C Meli
- PhyMedExp, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Huang-Tian Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment & Tumor, Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), CAS, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Heart Failure and Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, 200123, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, CAS, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Kawaguchi N. Stem cells for cardiac regeneration and possible roles of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. Biomol Concepts 2014; 3:99-106. [PMID: 25436527 DOI: 10.1515/bmc.2011.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide. Studies of stem cell biology are essential for developing efficient treatments. Recently, we established and characterized c-kit-positive cardiac stem cells from the adult rat heart. Using a MethoCult culture system with a methyl-cellulose-based medium, stem-like left-atrium-derived pluripotent cells could be regulated to differentiate into skeletal/cardiac myocytes or adipocytes with almost 100% purity. Microarray and pathway analyses of these cells showed that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and noggin were significantly involved in the differentiation switch. Furthermore, TGF-β1 may act as a regulator for this switch because it simultaneously inhibits adipogenesis and activates myogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. However, the effect of TGF-β varies with developmental stage, dosage, and timing of treatment. In the present review, the findings of recent studies, in particular the use of c-kit-positive cardiac stem cells, are discussed. The effects of the TGF-β superfamily on differentiation, especially on adipogenesis and/or myogenesis, have important implications for future regenerative medicine.
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Cell shape and cardiosphere differentiation: a revelation by proteomic profiling. Biochem Res Int 2013; 2013:730874. [PMID: 24073335 PMCID: PMC3773893 DOI: 10.1155/2013/730874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (embryonic stem cells, somatic stem cells such as neural stem cells, and cardiac stem cells) and cancer cells are known to aggregate and form spheroid structures. This behavior is common in undifferentiated cells and may be necessary for adapting to certain conditions such as low-oxygen levels or to maintain undifferentiated status in microenvironments including stem cell niches. In order to decipher the meaning of this spheroid structure, we established a cardiosphere clone (CSC-21E) derived from the rat heart which can switch its morphology between spheroid and nonspheroid. Two forms, floating cardiospheres and dish-attached flat cells, could be switched reversibly by changing the cell culture condition. We performed differential proteome analysis studies and obtained protein profiles distinct between spherical forms and flat cells. From protein profiling analysis, we found upregulation of glycolytic enzymes in spheroids with some stress proteins switched in expression levels between these two forms. Evidence has been accumulating that certain chaperone/stress proteins are upregulated in concert with cellular changes including proliferation and differentiation. We would like to discuss the possible mechanism of how these aggregates affect cell differentiation and/or other cellular functions.
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Sun X, Cheng L, Duan H, Lin G, Lu G. Characterization and comparison of embryonic stem cell-derived KDR+ cells with endothelial cells. Microvasc Res 2012; 84:149-54. [PMID: 22706170 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Growing interest in utilizing endothelial cells (ECs) for therapeutic purposes has led to the exploration of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a potential source for endothelial progenitors. In this study, ECs were induced from hESC lines and their biological characteristics were analyzed and compared with both cord blood endothelial progenitor cells (CBEPCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. The results showed that isolated embryonic KDR+ cells (EC-KDR+) display characteristics that were similar to CBEPCs and HUVECs. EC-KDR+, CBEPCs and HUVECs all expressed CD31 and CD144, incorporated DiI-Ac-LDL, bound UEA1 lectin, and were able to form tube-like structures on Matrigel. Compared with CBEPCs and HUVECs, the expression level of endothelial progenitor cell markers such as CD133 and KDR in EC-KDR+ was significantly higher, while the mature endothelial marker vWF was lowly expressed in EC-KDR+. In summary, the study showed that EC-KDR+ are primitive endothelial-like progenitors and might be a potential source for therapeutic vascular regeneration and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Sun
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410078 China
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Guan K, Cheng IF, Baazm M. Human spermatagonial stem cells: a novel therapeutic hope for cardiac regeneration and repair? Future Cardiol 2012; 8:39-51. [DOI: 10.2217/fca.11.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the identification and characterization of human spermatogonial stem cells was reported nearly 50 years ago, great progress has been made only in the last few years. Spermatogonial stem cells attract a great deal of researchers’ attention because of their unique characteristics, including the ability to be converted spontaneously into pluripotent germline stem cells with embryonic stem cell-like properties. Pluripotent stem cells are able to differentiate into any desired cell type in the body; therefore, they are the most promising cell source for organ regeneration. The advantages of pluripotent germline stem cells over other stem cells are that they maintain a high degree of DNA integrity and can resolve some ethical and immunological problems related to human embryonic stem cells. In this article we address the origin, characteristics and pluripotency of spermatogonial stem cells. Their contribution to stem cell-based organ regeneration therapy with special emphasis on cardiac regeneration and repair in the future is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I-Fen Cheng
- Department of Cardiology & Pneumology, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maryam Baazm
- Department of Cardiology & Pneumology, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Yeghiazarians Y, Gaur M, Zhang Y, Sievers RE, Ritner C, Prasad M, Boyle A, Bernstein HS. Myocardial improvement with human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes enriched by p38MAPK inhibition. Cytotherapy 2011; 14:223-31. [PMID: 22040108 DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2011.623690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS We have shown previously that inhibition of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) directs the differentiation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived cardiomyocytes (hCM). We investigated the therapeutic benefits of intramyocardial injection of hCM differentiated from hESC by p38MAPK inhibition using closed-chest ultrasound-guided injection at a clinically relevant time post-myocardial infarction (MI) in a mouse model. METHODS MI was induced in mice and the animals treated at day 3 with: (a) hCM, (b) human fetal fibroblasts (hFF) as cell control, or (c) medium control (n = 10 animals/group). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated post-MI prior to therapy, and at days 28 and 60 post-cell therapy. Hearts were analyzed at day 60 for infarct size, angiogenesis, cell fate and teratoma formation. RESULTS LVEF was improved in the hCM-treated animals compared with both hFF and medium control-treated animals at day 28 (39.03 ± 1.79% versus 27.89 ± 1.27%, P < 0.05, versus 32.90 ± 1.46%, P < 0.05, respectively), with sustained benefit until day 60. hCM therapy resulted in significantly smaller scar size, increased capillary bed area, increased number of arterioles, less native cardiomyocyte (CM) apoptosis, and increased CM proliferation compared with the other two groups. These benefits were achieved despite a very low retention rate of the injected cells at day 60, as assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Therapy with hCM did not result in intramyocardial teratoma formation at day 60. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that hCM derived from p38MAPK-treated hESC have encouraging therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerem Yeghiazarians
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-1346, USA.
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7
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Boheler KR, Joodi RN, Qiao H, Juhasz O, Urick AL, Chuppa SL, Gundry RL, Wersto RP, Zhou R. Embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte heterogeneity and the isolation of immature and committed cells for cardiac remodeling and regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2011; 2011:214203. [PMID: 21912557 PMCID: PMC3168772 DOI: 10.4061/2011/214203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells represent one promising source for cell replacement therapy in heart, but differentiating embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (ESC-CMs) are highly heterogeneous and show a variety of maturation states. In this study, we employed an ESC clonal line that contains a cardiac-restricted ncx1 promoter-driven puromycin resistance cassette together with a mass culture system to isolate ESC-CMs that display traits characteristic of very immature CMs. The cells display properties of proliferation, CM-restricted markers, reduced mitochondrial mass, and hypoxia-resistance. Following transplantation into rodent hearts, bioluminescence imaging revealed that immature cells, but not more mature CMs, survived for at least one month following injection. These data and comparisons with more mature cells lead us to conclude that immature hypoxia resistant ESC-CMs can be isolated in mass in vitro and, following injection into heart, form grafts that may mediate long-term recovery of global and regional myocardial contractile function following infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Boheler
- Molecular Cardiology and Stem Cell Unit, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Institute of Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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8
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Abstract
Cardiac diseases are the leading cause of death and reach epidemic proportions with aging. Advanced heart disease results from an abrupt or progressive loss of contractile cardiomyocytes. Following percutaneous coronary intervention and revascularization regenerative medicine aims at effectively repair damaged tissue and replacement of lost cardiomyocytes. However, mixed results were obtained from trials using bone marrow-derived stem cells. Benefits were rather attributed to paracrine effects leading to inhibition or reverse of negative remodeling processes than to regeneration of viable cardiomyocytes. Thus the aim of regenerative medicine, in particular stem cell research, to generate viable cardiac muscle has so far not been achieved in humans, reflecting our incomplete understanding of underlying biological mechanisms. Moreover, there is growing evidence that substantial person-to-person differences in the outcome of stem cell therapy exists. We here review our present knowledge in evolving stem cell based cardiovascular medicine and highlight personalized aspects of stem cell interventions.
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9
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Kawaguchi N. Adult cardiac-derived stem cells: differentiation and survival regulators. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2011; 87:111-25. [PMID: 22127240 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386015-6.00041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
At present, heart failure is one of the most concerning diseases worldwide. To develop efficient treatments, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the biological characteristics of stem cells in the heart. We recently established and characterized c-kit-positive cardiac stem cells obtained from adult rats. Moreover, we established left atrium-derived pluripotent cells that can differentiate either into skeletal/cardiac myocytes or adipocytes in a methylcellulose-based Methocult medium with almost 100% purity. Microarray and signaling pathway analyses showed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a key molecule in the regulation of the differentiation switch. Indeed, TGF-β1 simultaneously inhibits adipogenesis and activates myogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. However, the effect of TGF-β varies with the developmental stage, dosage, and timing of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Kawaguchi
- Department of Patriotic Cardiology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Giraud MN, Flueckiger R, Cook S, Ayuni E, Siepe M, Carrel T, Tevaearai H. Long-Term Evaluation of Myoblast Seeded Patches Implanted on Infarcted Rat Hearts. Artif Organs 2010; 34:E184-92. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1594.2009.00979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Janssens
- Division of Cardiology and Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Gasthuisberg University Hospital, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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12
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Leblond AL, O'Sullivan J, Caplice N. Bone marrow mononuclear stem cells: potential in the treatment of myocardial infarction. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2009; 2:11-9. [PMID: 24198506 PMCID: PMC3781688 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s6210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the management of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure following myocardial infarction continues to be a major worldwide medical problem. Mononuclear cells from bone marrow are currently being studied as potential candidates for cell-based therapy to repair and regenerate damaged myocardium, with mixed results. The success of this strategy requires structural repair through both cardiomyogenesis and angiogenesis but also functional repair. However, pre-clinical and clinical studies with the intracoronary administration of cells indicate limited cardiomyogenesis and cell survival, controversial functional benefit and suggest paracrine effects mediated by the administered cells. Further investigations for optimizing therapeutic benefit focus on the requirement for stable cell engraftment and the involvement of cytokines in this process. This includes a large and varied range of strategies including cell or heart pre-treatment, tissue engineering and protein therapy. Although cell-based therapy holds promise in the future treatment of myocardial infarction, its current use is significantly hampered by biological and technological challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Leblond
- Centre for Research in Vascular Biology (CRVB), Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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13
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Gonzales C, Pedrazzini T. Progenitor cell therapy for heart disease. Exp Cell Res 2009; 315:3077-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2009.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Coxon CH, Bicknell KA, Moseley FL, Brooks G. Over expression of Plk1 does not induce cell division in rat cardiac myocytes in vitro. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6752. [PMID: 19707596 PMCID: PMC2727448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian cardiac myocytes withdraw from the cell cycle during post-natal development, resulting in a non-proliferating, fully differentiated adult phenotype that is unable to repair damage to the myocardium, such as occurs following a myocardial infarction. We and others previously have shown that forced expression of certain cell cycle molecules in adult cardiac myocytes can promote cell cycle progression and division in these cells. The mitotic serine/threonine kinase, Polo-like kinase-1 (Plk1), is known to phosphorylate and activate a number of mitotic targets, including Cdc2/Cyclin B1, and to promote cell division. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The mammalian Plk family are all differentially regulated during the development of rat cardiac myocytes, with Plk1 showing the most dramatic decrease in both mRNA, protein and activity in the adult. We determined the potential of Plk1 to induce cell cycle progression and division in cultured rat cardiac myocytes. A persistent and progressive loss of Plk1 expression was observed during myocyte development that correlated with the withdrawal of adult rat cardiac myocytes from the cell cycle. Interestingly, when Plk1 was over-expressed in cardiac myocytes by adenovirus infection, it was not able to promote cell cycle progression, as determined by cell number and percent binucleation. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that, in contrast to Cdc2/Cyclin B1 over-expression, the forced expression of Plk1 in adult cardiac myocytes is not sufficient to induce cell division and myocardial repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H. Coxon
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fleur L. Moseley
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Brooks
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Palatinus JA, Rhett JM, Gourdie RG. Translational lessons from scarless healing of cutaneous wounds and regenerative repair of the myocardium. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2009; 48:550-7. [PMID: 19560469 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2009.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Revised: 05/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative healing is the process by which injured tissues are restored to their original structure and function. Many species are capable of healing in this manner. However, in mammals the healing response in most tissues is marked by fibroblast proliferation and scar tissue deposition. While scarring contributes to efficient resolution of mammalian wounds and restoration of at least partial structural and functional support, the final result of scar formation can be more deleterious than the initial insult. This is especially true in the heart, which is sensitive to electrical heterogeneities and altered mechanical properties produced by scarring. Several therapeutic modalities promoting regeneration in skin wounds have been developed that modulate various aspects of the healing process. Targets include cytokine stimulation, control of fibroblast activation, modulation of gap junctions, and stem cell differentiation. Here, we review and compare mechanisms of injury, repair, and scarring in the skin and heart and discuss the promise and caveats of future therapies that may translate to improving repair of myocardial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Palatinus
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Developmental Biology Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Enhanced mobilization of CD34+ progenitor cells expressing cell adhesion molecules in patients with STEMI. Clin Res Cardiol 2009; 98:477-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s00392-009-0021-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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17
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Bani D, Nistri S, Formigli L, Meacci E, Francini F, Zecchi-Orlandini S. Prominent role of relaxin in improving postinfarction heart remodeling. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1160:269-77. [PMID: 19416202 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03781.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation is a promising approach for treatment of the postinfarcted heart and prevention of deleterious cardiac remodeling and heart failure. We explored this issue by transplanting mouse C2C12 myoblasts, genetically engineered to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or eGFP and relaxin (eGFP/RLX), into swine with chronic myocardial infarction. One month later, C2C12 myoblasts selectively settled in the ischemic scar around blood vessels, showing an activated endothelium (ICAM-1 and VCAM positive). Although unable to differentiate to a muscle phenotype, these cells induced extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by matrix metalloprotease secretion and increased microvessel density by vascular endothelial growth factor expression. C2C12/RLX myoblasts gave better results than C2C12/GFP. By echocardiography, C2C12-engrafted swine, especially those that received C2C12/RLX, showed better heart contractility than the untreated controls. Hence, the advantage afforded by the grafted myoblasts on cardiac function is primarily dependent on their paracrine effects on ECM remodeling and vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bani
- Department of Anatomy, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Di Felice V, De Luca A, Colorito ML, Montalbano A, Ardizzone NM, Macaluso F, Gammazza AM, Cappello F, Zummo G. Cardiac stem cell research: an elephant in the room? Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2009; 292:449-54. [PMID: 19248173 DOI: 10.1002/ar.20858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the industrialized world, and stem cell therapy seems to be a promising treatment for injured cardiac tissue. To reach this goal, the scientific community needs to find a good source of stem cells that can be used to obtain new myocardium in a very period range of time. Since there are many ethical and technical problems with using embryonic stem cells as a source of cells with cardiogenic potential, many laboratories have attempted to isolate potential cardiac stem cells from several tissues. The best candidates seem to be cardiac "progenitor" and/or "stem" cells, which can be isolated from subendocardial biopsies from the same patient or from embryonic and/or fetal myocardium. Regardless of the technique used to isolate and characterize these cells, it appears that the different cells isolated from adult myocardium to date are all phenotypic variations of a unique cell type that expresses several markers, such as c-Kit, CD34, MDR-1, Sca-1, CD45, nestin, or Isl-1, in various combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Felice
- Human Anatomy Section, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, Italy.
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Bonacchi M, Nistri S, Nanni C, Gelsomino S, Pini A, Cinci L, Maiani M, Zecchi-Orlandini S, Lorusso R, Fanti S, Silvertown J, Bani D. Functional and histopathological improvement of the post-infarcted rat heart upon myoblast cell grafting and relaxin therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 13:3437-48. [PMID: 18798866 PMCID: PMC4516499 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00503.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the myocardium contains progenitor cells potentially capable of regenerating tissue upon lethal ischaemic injury, their actual role in post-infarction heart healing is negligible. Therefore, transplantation of extra-cardiac stem cells is a promising therapeutic approach for post-infarction heart dysfunction. Paracrine cardiotropic factors released by the grafted cells, such as the cardiotropic hormone relaxin (RLX), may beneficially influence remodelling of recipient hearts. The current study was designed to address whether grafting of mouse C2C12 myoblasts, genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein (C2C12/GFP) or GFP and RLX (C2C12/RLX), are capable of improving long-term heart remodelling in a rat model of surgically induced chronic myocardial infarction. One month after myocardial infarction, rats were treated with either culture medium (controls), or C2C12/GFP cells, or C2C12/RLX cells plus exogenous RLX, or exogenous RLX alone. The therapeutic effects were monitored for 2 further months. Cell transplantation and exogenous RLX improved the main echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function, increased myocardial viability (assessed by positron emission tomography), decreased cardiac sclerosis and myocardial cell apoptosis and increased microvascular density in the post-infarction scar tissue. These effects were maximal upon treatment with C2C12/RLX plus exogenous RLX. These functional and histopathological findings provide further experimental evidence that myoblast cell grafting can improve myocardial performance and survival during post-infarction heart remodelling and dysfunction. Further, this study provides a proof-of-principle to the novel concept that genetically engineered grafted cells can be effectively employed as cell-based vehicles for the local delivery of therapeutic cardiotropic substances, such as RLX, capable of improving adverse heart remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Bonacchi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Area, Cardiac Surgery Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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