Emerging Approaches for Cardiovascular Stem Cell Imaging

Abstract

Stem cell therapies offer potential therapeutic alternatives for coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. To a lesser extent, stem cell transplantations are used for experimental treatment of congenital heart conditions, atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease, and other cardiovascular pathologies. The efficacy of stem cell transplants on the aforementioned diseases has been inconsistent, and the specific regenerative mechanisms by which stem cells work are not well understood. Thus, a reliable and efficient method of cell tracking and monitoring would be beneficial. The different imaging strategies and modalities for cell tracking, as well as the latest approaches to cell labeling in this field, are reviewed in the hope that this will foster a better understanding of the best methods to treat cardiovascular diseases with cellular therapeutics.

Correction method for wireless electromagnetic localization of microcapsule devices

“…In addition, for further treatment or surgery, the surgeon needs to know the position of the target tissue. To this end, various capsule‐localization techniques have been explored in feasibility studies .…”

“…Image‐based methods such as X‐ray, radionuclide labeling, and real‐time ultrasound have been used widely for object localization in biomedical applications. All of the above mentioned methods require the use of large and expensive equipment.…”

Letter to the Editor: Emerging Approaches for Cardiovascular Stem Cell Imaging

“…Kraitchman in the current issue of your most valuable journal [1]. In their scientifically remarkable review, the authors tried to collect all available evidences on "the different imaging strategies and modalities for cell tracking, as well as the latest approaches to cell labeling in this field."…”

“…However, I am bound to convey my experience on this issue. The authors have stated that "despite many concerns about the ionizing radiation of radionuclide tracers, none of the aforementioned studies reported any negative effects of labeling on cell viability and proliferation" [1], providing no reference for the conclusion. In my opinion, such a conclusion cannot be extended to all radionuclides.…”

In Reply: Emerging Approaches for Cardiovascular Stem Cell Imaging

“…To the Editor: We appreciate the careful and thoughtful letter by Dr. Gholamrezanezhad regarding our recent review article about stem cell labeling and tracking in cardiovascular disease [1]. Dr. Gholamrezanezhad expresses two concerns that he feels were inadequately covered in the article.…”