ABSTRACT
Introduction Ischemia-induced death of cardiac myocytes results in scar formation and reduced contractility of the ventricle. Various experimental studies have provided evidence that the infusion of stem or progenitor cells may reduce scar formation and fibrosis. Moreover, predominantly bone marrow-derived cells have been shown to augment blood flow, thereby providing a novel therapeutic option for the prevention and/or treatment of ischemic heart failure. In animal models, several stem and progenitor cells have exhibited the capacity to improve neovascularization and cardiac regeneration (Tables 4.1 and 4.2). The best established source is bone marrow, which contains hematopoietic stem cells and “side population” (SP) cells, which are identified by their capacity to exclude Hoechst dye.1
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) can also be isolated from bone marrow.2,3 In addition, Asahara et al4 and Shi et al5 have defined a subset of bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells: endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). These cells can give rise to endothelial cells and contribute to endothelial recovery and new capillary formation after ischemia. EPCs have subsequently been defined as cells expressing hematopoietic stem cell markers such as CD34 and CD133 and the endothelial marker protein
