Background: Allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) are promising cell sources for cell therapy to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). We hypothesized that ADSC transplantation via the new cell spray method may be a feasible, safe, and effective treatment for ICM.
Methods: Human ADSCs were acquired from white adipose tissue. Porcine ICM models were established by constriction of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were spread over the surface of the heart via cell spray in fibrinogen and thrombin solutions. The cardiac function was compared with that of the control group.
Results: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were successfully transplanted forming a graft-like gel film covering the infarct myocardium. Premature ventricular contractions were rarely detected in the first 3 days after transplantation. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed improved cardiac performance of the ADSC group at 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation. Systolic and diastolic parameters were significantly greater in the ADSC group at 8 weeks after transplantation. Histological examination showed significantly attenuated left ventricular remodeling and a greater vascular density in the infarct border area in the ADSC group. Moreover, the coronary flow reserve was maintained, and expression levels of angiogenesis-related factors in the infarct border and remote areas were significantly increased.
Conclusions: Spray method implantation of allogenic ADSCs can improve recovery of cardiac function in a porcine infarction model. This new allogenic cell delivery system may help to resolve current limitations of invasiveness and cost in stem cell therapy.