Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008; 56(2): 77-82
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-989328
Original Cardiovascular

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Cardiomyogenic Potential of Human Adult Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Vitro

P. Antonitsis1 , E. Ioannidou-Papagiannaki2 , A. Kaidoglou3 , N. Charokopos1 , A. Kalogeridis2 , K. Kouzi-Koliakou3 , I. Kyriakopoulou2 , I. Klonizakis2 , C. Papakonstantinou1
  • 1First Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 2Second Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Haematology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokrateio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 3Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

received May 30, 2007

Publication Date:
18 February 2008 (online)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of adult human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate towards a cardiomyogenic phenotype in vitro. Methods: Bone marrow samples were aspirated from 30 patients undergoing open heart surgery from the anterior iliac crest. Second passaged cells were treated with 10 µM 5-azacytidine. As control groups we used cells not expanded in culture and cells untreated with 5-azacytidine. Morphologic characteristics were analysed by confocal and electron microscopy. The expression of the cytoskeletal protein vimentin and muscle-specific myocin heavy chain was analysed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of the cardiomyocyte specific genes α-cardiac actin, beta-myocin heavy chain and cardiac troponin-T was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Mesenchymal stem cells were spindle-shaped with irregular processes. Cells treated with 5-azacytidine assumed a stick-like morphology. They connected with adjoining cells to form myotube-like structures. Numerous myofilaments were detected in induced cells which were immunohistochemically positive for myosin heavy chain and vimentin. The mRNAs of all specific cardiac genes were expressed in both induced and uninduced cells. Conclusion: These results indicate that adult human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells treated with 5-aza can differentiate towards a cardiomyogenic lineage in vitro.

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Dr. Polychronis Antonitsis

First Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
AHEPA Hospital

Sakellaridi 25

542 48 Thessaloniki

Greece

Phone: + 30 23 10 32 97 29

Fax: + 30 23 10 32 97 29

Email: antonits@otenet.gr

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