Bone Marrow Stem Cell Derived Paracrine Factors for Regenerative Medicine: Current Perspectives and Therapeutic Potential

Figure 3

Schematic representation of the hypotheses presenting therapeutic effects of stem cell transplantation for myocardial regeneration. Cell transplantation can improve tissue perfusion and contractile performance by promoting formation of blood vessels and myocyte formation/protection. Central to the beneficial effects of cellular therapy is the paracrine and indirect effects of stem cells with the production and release of cytokines and growth factors. Depending on the stem cell type and local milieu, the relative contribution of cell incorporation (transdifferentiation and/or fusion) versus paracrine effects may vary [27].