MSCs were preconditioned with DNP. In vitro cell adhesion assay and qRT-PCR were performed to analyze the expression of genes involved in cardiomyogenesis, cell adhesion and angiogenesis. MI was produced by occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery. One million cells were transplanted by intramyocardial injection into the infarcted myocardium. Echocardiography was performed after two and four weeks of cellular transplantation. Hearts were harvested after four weeks and processed for histological analysis.
DNP treated MSCs adhered to the surface more (p < 0.001) as compared to the normal MSCs. Gene expression levels were significantly upregulated in case of DNP treatment. The number of viable MSCs was more (p < 0.001) in animals that received DNP treated MSCs, leading to significant improvement in cardiac function. Histological analysis revealed significant reduction in scar formation (p < 0.001), maintenance of left ventricular wall thickness (p < 0.001), and increased angiogenesis (p < 0.01).
The study evidenced for the first time that MSCs preconditioned with DNP improved cardiac function after transplantation. This can be attributed to improved survival, homing, adhesion, and cardiomyogenic and angiogenic differentiation of DNP treated MSCs in vivo.