Journal of cellular and molecular medicine
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Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that intracoronary infusion of autologous bone marrow cells (BMC) in conjunction with standard treatment may improve left ventricular function after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the results of these studies remain controversial, as the studies were relatively small in size and partially differed in design. We reviewed primary controlled randomized clinical studies comparing intracoronary transfer of autologous non-mobilized BMC combined with standard therapy versus standard therapy alone in patients with AMI. ⋯ Thus, considering the increase in LVEF during follow-up, transplantation of BMC may be a safe and beneficial procedure to support treatment of AMI. However, the functional improvement observed with this form of therapy was altogether relatively moderate and the studies were heterogeneous in design. Hence, further efforts aiming at large-scale, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled multi-center trials in conjunction with better definition of patients, which benefit from BMC infusion, appear to be warranted.
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Bone defects represent a medical and socioeconomic challenge. Different types of biomaterials are applied for reconstructive indications and receive rising interest. However, autologous bone grafts are still considered as the gold standard for reconstruction of extended bone defects. ⋯ Therefore vascularization concepts gain on interest and the combination of tissue engineering approaches with flap prefabrication techniques may eventually allow application of bone-tissue substitutes grown in vivo with the advantage of minimal donor site morbidity as compared to conventional vascularized bone grafts. The scope of this review is the introduction of basic principles and different components of engineered bioartificial bone tissues with a strong focus on clinical applications in reconstructive surgery. Concepts for the induction of axial vascularization in engineered bone tissues as well as potential clinical applications are discussed in detail.
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Following inflammation and injury in the lung, loss of epithelial cell precursors could determine the balance between tissue regeneration and fibrosis. This review discusses evidence that proapoptotic Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) signaling plays a central role in pulmonary inflammation, injury and fibrosis. ⋯ Serologic and immunohistochemical studies in patients support a major pathogenic role of Fas and FasL molecules in inflammatory lung diseases. Identification of the pathogenic role of FasL could facilitate the discovery of more effective treatments for currently untreatable inflammatory lung diseases.