One-staged aptamer-based isolation and application of endothelial progenitor cells in a porcine myocardial infarction model

Nucleic Acid Ther. 2015 Feb;25(1):20-6. doi: 10.1089/nat.2014.0499. Epub 2014 Dec 10.

Abstract

A multitude of stem cell types has been extensively studied and used for myocardial regenerative therapy. Amongst these endothelial progenitor cells form a promising source. In our present study, we investigated a one-staged approach for isolation and application of autologous endothelial progenitor cells in a pig model of myocardial infarction. Endothelial progenitor cell isolation was performed by immediately preprocedural bone marrow aspiration and consecutive positive selection by aptamer-based magnetic cell sorting. Animals were divided in three groups receiving endothelial progenitor cells, saline, or no intramyocardial injection respectively. Postprocedural follow-up consisted of weekly echocardiographic evaluations. Postmortem histological analysis after four weeks focused on detection of transplanted PKH26-positive endothelial progenitor cells and neovascularization within the infarcted myocardium. A significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction could not be shown between the three groups. PKH26-stained endothelial progenitor cells could be found in the endothelial progenitor cells transplanted group, although detection was scarce. Large-sized capillaries were found to be significantly more in endothelial progenitor cells treated myocardium. The one-stage approach of endothelial progenitor cells isolation and application presented herein offers a new therapeutic concept. Even though a beneficial impact on myocardial function could not be assessed, increased neovascularization may indicate positive effects on remodeling processes. Being able to harvest endothelial progenitor cells right before application provides a wider scope of action in urgent cases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry
  • Cell Separation / methods
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coronary Vessels / physiopathology
  • Endothelial Progenitor Cells / transplantation*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Molecular Probes
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Nucleic Acid Probes / chemistry
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Sus scrofa

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Molecular Probes
  • Nucleic Acid Probes