Fibrin Promotes Survival and Differentiation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells after Transplantation

Abstract

Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is a potential therapy for angiogenesis and improving microcirculation of the local tissue in ischemic diseases. However, survival and differentiation of the transplanted EPCs decrease so that efficiency of EPC transplantation is undesirable. This investigation was designed to investigate cytoprotective effects of fibrin in ischemic microenvironment. VEGFR‐2+ cells were sorted from mononuclear cells in bone marrow of male SD rats. Fibrin glue was prepared by mixing fibrinogen and thrombin. The cells were seeded in fibrin or fibrin supplemented with VEGF. The cells in fibrin glue may migrate well. Under hypoxia and withdraw of serum and glucose, apoptotic and necrotic cells in fibrin group were less than that in control group. After incubation in fibrin glue for two weeks, the cells differentiated into endothelial cells and organized into capillary‐like structures. After transplantation of fibrin‐delivered cells into the infracted myocardium of female rats, angiogenesis and cardiac regeneration increased, cardiac functions were improved significantly. These results demonstrate that fibrin has protective effects for survival and differentiation of EPCs. Delivery with fibrin in EPC transplantation is effective for repairing the infracted myocardium.