Bone marrow stem cells generate myocardium

A previously undescribed subpopulation of clonally expanded adult human bone marrow-derived stem cells is capable of differentiating into cells of 3 different germ layers and of self-renewing.

Moreover, researchers report in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation that transplantation of these cells into a rat model of myocardial infarction ameliorated associated functional and pathological changes.”These studies show that stem cells from adult bone marrow are a virtual tool kit for repairing damaged hearts,” senior investigator Dr. Douglas W. Losordo told Reuters Health. “Specifically, these cells can differentiate into all of the essential cellular elements required to restore function in ‘broken’ hearts.”In particular, Dr. Losordo, of Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston and colleagues note that intramyocardial transplantation led to colonization with cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. This was a result of both differentiation and fusion.Furthermore, the transplanted cells stimulated the proliferation of host myocardial tissues and prevented apoptosis of endangered cells after ischemic injury.In light of these findings, the researchers conclude that this “new form of cardiac repair may improve the immediate and long-term outcome of ischemic heart disease and may therefore merit clinical investigation in patients with ischemic heart disease.”(Source: J Clin Invest 2005;115:326-338: Reuters Health: David Douglas: Oncolink: February 2005.)