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Am J Transl Res 2013;5(4):404-411
Review Article
Homing of stem cells to ischemic myocardium
Sharven Taghavi, Jon C George
Cardiovascular Research Center; School of Medicine; Hospital Department of Surgery, Temple University,
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Received April 27, 2013; Accepted May 18, 2013; Epub May 24, 2013; Published June 1, 2013
Abstract: Progenitor cells have the capability to home myocardium in response to ischemia. Cell adhesion
markers, in particular integrins, play an important role in the trafficking of stem cells to myocardium. In addition,
damaged myocardium secretes several chemokines and growth factors that recruit these precursor cells to the
heart. Nitric oxide synthase and hormones can also contribute to the trafficking of progenitor cells to myocardium.
The recruitment of stem cells to ischemic myocardium is a complex interchange between cell adhesion markers,
chemokines, and growth factors and a better understanding of these processes may lead to more efficient use of
stem cells for therapeutic benefit. (AJTR1304012).
Keywords: Stem cells, ischemic myocardium, myocardial regeneration, growth factors, myocardial infarction
Address correspondence to: Dr. Jon C George, Cardiovascular Research Center; School of Medicine, Temple
University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. E-mail: jcgeorgemd@hotmail.com
Review Article
Homing of stem cells to ischemic myocardium
Sharven Taghavi, Jon C George
Cardiovascular Research Center; School of Medicine; Hospital Department of Surgery, Temple University,
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Received April 27, 2013; Accepted May 18, 2013; Epub May 24, 2013; Published June 1, 2013
Abstract: Progenitor cells have the capability to home myocardium in response to ischemia. Cell adhesion
markers, in particular integrins, play an important role in the trafficking of stem cells to myocardium. In addition,
damaged myocardium secretes several chemokines and growth factors that recruit these precursor cells to the
heart. Nitric oxide synthase and hormones can also contribute to the trafficking of progenitor cells to myocardium.
The recruitment of stem cells to ischemic myocardium is a complex interchange between cell adhesion markers,
chemokines, and growth factors and a better understanding of these processes may lead to more efficient use of
stem cells for therapeutic benefit. (AJTR1304012).
Keywords: Stem cells, ischemic myocardium, myocardial regeneration, growth factors, myocardial infarction
Address correspondence to: Dr. Jon C George, Cardiovascular Research Center; School of Medicine, Temple
University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. E-mail: jcgeorgemd@hotmail.com
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