ABSTRACT
Research involving the use of stem cells that participate in the neovascularization of adult tissues has been studied because of the potential for new cell-based angiogenic therapies. Recently, preclinical studies have shown that introducing stem cells into ischemic tissues can restore tissue vascularization in limbs, retina, and myocardium. Several studies have demonstrated that stem cells can differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs), incorporate into vessels, and promote post-ischemic neovascularization, or can secrete angiogenic and antiapoptotic factors that enhance angiogenesis.1,2 Like embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells are self-renewing and pluripotent. Results obtained from bone marrow-derived stem cells in animal models, reiterate their potentials for regenerating myocardium and providing therapeutic bene—ts for ischemic heart disease. Injection of bone marrow mononuclear cells following left anterior descending coronary artery ligation decreased infarction size and increased local blood Œow in a porcine model.3 These results were an effect of increased angiogenesis in the infarcted tissue.
