Factors Released from Embryonic Stem Cells Stimulate c-kit-FLK-1(+ve) Progenitor Cells and Enhance Neovascularization

    Authors

    S. Fatma; D. E. Selby; R. D. Singla;D. K. Singla

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Antioxid. Redox Signal.

    Keywords

    MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION; INHIBIT APOPTOSIS; OXIDATIVE STRESS; CARDIAC; REPAIR; MYOCYTE DEATH; MOUSE HEART; TRANSPLANTATION; ANGIOGENESIS; REGENERATION; MOBILIZATION; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Endocrinology & Metabolism

    Abstract

    We examined whether factors released from embryonic stem (ES) cells inhibit cardiac and vascular cell apoptosis and stimulate endogenous progenitor cells that enhance neovascularization with improved cardiac function. We generated and transplanted ES-conditioned medium (CM) in the infarcted heart to examine effects on cardiac and vascular apoptosis, activation of endogenous c-kit and FLK-1(+ve) cells, and their role in cardiac neovascularization. TUNEL, caspase-3 activity, immunohistochemistry, H&E, and Masson's trichrome stains were used to determine the effect of transplanted ES-CM on cardiac apoptosis and neovascularization. TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activity confirm significantly (p < 0.05) reduced apoptosis in MI+ES-CM compared with MI+ cell culture medium. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased (p < 0.05, 53%) c-kit(+ve) and FLK-1(+ve) positive cells, as well as increased (p < 0.05, 67%) differentiated CD31-positive cells in ES-CM groups compared with respective controls. Furthermore, significantly (p < 0.05) increased coronary artery vessels were observed in ES-CM transplanted hearts compared with control. Heart function was significantly improved following ES-CM transplantation. Next, we observed significantly increased (p < 0.05) levels of c-kit activation proteins (HGF and IGF-1), anti-apoptosis factors (IGF-1 and total antioxidants), and neovascularization protein (VEGF). In conclusion, we suggest that ES-CM following transplantation in the infarcted heart inhibits apoptosis, activates cardiac endogenous c-kit and FLK-1(+ve) cells, and differentiates them into endothelial cells (ECs) that enhances neovascularization with improved cardiac function. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 13, 1857-1865.

    Journal Title

    Antioxidants & Redox Signaling

    Volume

    13

    Issue/Number

    12

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    1857

    Last Page

    1865

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000283866900004

    ISSN

    1523-0864

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