title: Amniotic mesenchymal stem cells with robust chemotactic properties are effective in the treatment of a myocardial infarction model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We previously reported that amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMMs) possess high angio-vasulogenic properties. In this study, we investigated the chemotactic abilities of AMMs for improved cardiac function and regenerative angiogenesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The expressions of chemotactic and angiogenic genes were determined by qRT-PCR. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in NOD/SCID mice and cells were directly transplanted into the border regions of ischemic heart tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis was also conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AMMs significantly expressed the representative chemotactic factor GCP-2, NAP-2 as well as angiogenic factor Hif-1a. AMMs also highly expressed the chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5. AMM transplantation improved left ventricular function, capillary density, angiogenic cytokine levels, angiopoetin (Ang)-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) levels in affected tissue. Immunohistochemical assaying also revealed increased engraftment and endothelial phenotypes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that due to elevated survival and related chemotactic potential, AMMs are a promising stem cell source for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Regional Clinical Trial Center, Dong-A University Hospital, Busan, Korea; Department of Cardiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea. Electronic address: sungwhk@yahoo.co.kr.
authors.forename: Sung-Whan
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hong-Zhe
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Chae-Eun
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jong-Min
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Moo Hyun
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002633:Chemotaxis / Q000502:physiology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D061307:Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D016513:Mice, SCID; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011897:Random Allocation; D016896:Treatment Outcome