Advances in cardiovascular molecular imaging for tracking stem cell therapy

Abstract

SummaryThe high mortality rate associated with cardiovascular disease is partially due to the lack of proliferative cells in the heart. Without adequate repair following myocardial infarction, progressive dilation can lead to heart failure. Stem cell therapies present one promising option for treating cardiovascular disease, though the specific mechanisms by which they benefit the heart remain unclear. Before stem cell therapies can be used safely in human populations, their biology must be investigated using innovative technologies such as multi-modality molecular im- aging. The present review will discuss the basic principles, labelling techniques, clinical applications, and drawbacks associated with four major modalities: radionuclide imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, bioluminescence imaging, and fluorescence imaging.

Translational applications of molecular imaging in cardiovascular disease and stem cell therapy

“…However, direct labeling with radionuclides depends on the decay of the radioisotope. Positive results do not necessarily equate cell viability, but only denote probe presence [77]. Moreover, there are several disadvantages, including the leakage of radionuclides into nontarget cells [78], limited time window for imaging due to half-life decay and the emission of ionizing radiation that may impair stem cell proliferation and survival.…”

Tracking stem cells for cardiovascular applicationsin vivo: focus on imaging techniques

“…In particular, optical imaging of reporter genes (e.g., green fluorescence protein or luciferase) can be used to monitor stem cell survival, proliferation and cardiac-specific differentiation in small animals [49,94]. However, technical challenges, such as the limited tissue penetration and low energy photon attenuation that restricts visualization of deep structures, such as blood vessels and the heart, limit development of clinical imaging systems [95,96]. …”

Methods to assess stem cell lineage, fate and function

“…Several techniques have been used to identify, localize, and monitor stem cells after delivery (29–31). Before the advent of molecular imaging, determination of cell fate relied on post-mortem histological analysis, performed at pre-determined time points following cell transplantation.…”