[The paracrine and autocrine of stem cells: a new frontier of basic and clinical research].
It is found recently that stem cells possess paracrine/autocrine function. This review discusses the bioactive substances secreted by stem cells, including growth factors, cytokines, and regulatory peptides, summarizes the factors regulating the functions of the stem cells, such as ischemia (hypoxia), growth factors, sex, and other hormones. The significance of paracrine/autocrine function of stem cells in angiogenesis and cytoprotection in myocardium, liver, kidney, and nerve system is also reviewed. These data indicate that stem cells act in a paracrine/autocrine manner to affect the structure and function of target organs, and the tissue repair in pathological situation, which is one of the mechanisms whereby the stem cells act to improve the function of target organs, anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation.
Liu
Xiu-Hua
XH
Department of Pathophysiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
Tang
Chao-Shu
CS
D019898:Autocrine Communication; D019610:Cytoprotection; D006801:Humans; D019899:Paracrine Communication; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*