title: Translational applications of molecular imaging in cardiovascular disease and stem cell therapy.
abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Molecular imaging techniques provide valuable information at cellular and molecular level, as opposed to anatomical and structural layers acquired from traditional imaging modalities. More specifically, molecular imaging employs imaging probes which interact with specific molecular targets and therefore makes it possible to visualize biological processes in vivo. Molecular imaging technology is now progressing towards preclinical and clinical application that gives an integral and comprehensive guidance for the investigation of cardiovascular disease. In addition, cardiac stem cell therapy holds great promise for clinical translation. Undoubtedly, combining stem cell therapy with molecular imaging technology will bring a broad prospect for the study and treatment of cardiac disease. This review will focus on the progresses of molecular imaging strategies in cardiovascular disease and cardiac stem cell therapy. Furthermore, the perspective on the future role of molecular imaging in clinical translation and potential strategies in defining safety and efficacy of cardiac stem cell therapies will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China; The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Du
authors.affiliation: Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China.
authors.forename: Hongyan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Shihua
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Imaging, Fuwai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China. Electronic address: zuoxianghe@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Zuo-Xiang
authors.initials: ZX
authors.lastname: He
authors.affiliation: Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China; The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China. Electronic address: zongjinli@nankai.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Zongjin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Clinical translation; Molecular imaging; Reporter gene; Stem cell therapy