Cell transplantation into ischemic myocardium using mesenchymal stem cells transfected by vascular endothelial growth factor

Aims: To investigate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation combining with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy on myocardium rebuilding, angiogenesis, and heart function improvement in rats with myocardial infarction. Methods: SD rat MSCs were isolated, cultured in vitro, labeled with BrdU and transfected by Ad.VEGF gene. Four weeks after left anterior descending artery was ligated to create rat myocardial infarction, cardiac function was examined with echocardiography. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 in each group): Group I: MSCs/Ad.VEGF implantation; Group II: MSCs implantation; Group III: Ad.VEGF injection; Group IV: Control. MSCs differentiation was observed 4 weeks after transplantation. Immunohistochemistry and angiogenesis were observed. Echocardiography was performed to detect the effects on heart function. Results: MSCs labeled with BrdU could be identified in host hearts in group I and II, most of them positively stained with cTnT antibody. Echocardiography indicated that the improvement of the LVEF value in group I was more significant than that in the other three groups (P < 0.01, respectively). Some cells were incorporated into the coronary capillaries in the infarcted region. The capillary density in group I was higher than that in the other three groups (P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: MSCs implantation combining with VEGF gene therapy can obviously repair damaged myocardium and enhance the angiogenesis in ischemic heart tissue.