title: Stem cell mobilization by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for myocardial recovery after acute myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of stem cell mobilization by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on myocardial regeneration on the basis of a synthesis of the data generated by randomized, controlled clinical trials of G-CSF after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Experimental studies and early-phase clinical trials suggest that stem cell mobilization by G-CSF may have a positive impact on cardiac regeneration after AMI. The role of G-CSF in patients with AMI remains unclear considering the inconsistent results of several clinical trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  For our analysis, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, conference proceedings from major cardiology meetings, and Internet-based sources of information on clinical trials in cardiology from January 2003 to August 2007 served as sources. Two reviewers independently identified studies and abstracted data on sample size, baseline characteristics, and outcomes of interest. Eligible studies were randomized trials with stem cell mobilization by G-CSF after reperfused AMI that reported data regarding the change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten trials using stem cell mobilization by G-CSF, including 445 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Significant improvement in LVEF at follow-up was observed in both the G-CSF and placebo groups. Compared with placebo, stem cell mobilization by G-CSF did not enhance the improvement of LVEF at follow-up (mean difference 1.32% [95% confidence interval -1.52 to 4.16; p = 0.36]). Moreover, the mean difference of reduction of infarct size between the treatment and placebo groups was -0.15 (95% confidence interval -0.38 to 0.07, p = 0.17).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cumulatively, available evidence does not support a beneficial effect of G-CSF in patients with AMI after reperfusion.
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Herzzentrum, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany. zohlnhoefer@dhm.mhn.de
authors.forename: Dietlind
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zohlnhöfer
authors.forename: Alban
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dibra
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Koppara
authors.forename: Antoinette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Waha
authors.forename: Rasmus Sejersten
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Ripa
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kastrup
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Valgimigli
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schömig
authors.forename: Adnan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kastrati
mesh_terms: D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology; D019650:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015425:Myocardial Reperfusion; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013318:Stroke Volume; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor