Title

Factors Released From Embryonic Stem Cells Stimulate C-Kit-Flk-1 +Ve Progenitor Cells And Enhance Neovascularization

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. © 2010 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Publication Date

12-15-2010

Publication Title

Antioxidants and Redox Signaling

Volume

13

Issue

12

Number of Pages

1857-1865

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3104

Socpus ID

78149334458 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/78149334458

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