title: Fragmin/protamine microparticle carriers as a drug repositioning strategy for cell transplantation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The importance of drug repositioning has been gaining attention in the last few years, allowing existing pharmaceutical products to be reevaluated for potential alternative therapeutic applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fragmin/protamine microparticles (F/P MPs) on cell aggregates under the concept of drug repositioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and embryonic rat heart-derived cardiac H9C2 cells were mixed with D-PBS, basal medium, fragmin, protamine, and F/P MPs to manufacture aggregates intended for cell transplantation. To evaluate their adhesive properties as cell carriers, we injected combinations of MSC aggregates into cartilage tissue, observing their leakage from the implantation site.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our data demonstrated that MSCs and H9C2 cells mixed with F/P MPs rapidly produced large, viscous cellular aggregates. F/P MPs were bound to the surface of MSCs and H9C2 cells; thus, F/P MPs induced the formation of F/P MP-cell aggregates. Cell aggregates were prevented from leaking from the transplanted site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aggregation induced by F/P MPs may improve the efficiency of cell therapy, a novel method for transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Center for Stem Cell Research, Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedical Science & Technology (IBST), Konkuk University, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; The Center for Stem Cell & Arthritis Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yonsei Sarang Hospital, Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-060, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Jo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Nemeno
authors.forename: B Y
authors.initials: BY
authors.lastname: Kiml
authors.forename: Y G
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Koh
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017985:Dalteparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008863:Microspheres; D011479:Protamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D011479:Protamines; D017985:Dalteparin