Exercise as an Adjuvant Therapy for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization

Figure 1

Acute exercise mobilizes hematopoietic stem and progenitors into peripheral circulation from the bone marrow niche. HSPCs receive signals from a variety of cell types including osteoblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), CXCL12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells, and mature hematopoietic cells throughout the bone marrow. Paracrine factors secreted by stromal cells, such as stem cell factor (SCF) or granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), or norepinephrine by nerve fibers act to free HSPCs for entrance into peripheral circulation via sinusoidal openings. The magnitude of HSPC mobilization and paracrine factor release is increased with higher exercise intensity relative to the individual’s VO₂ max.