A Plant-Derived Remedy for Repair of Infarcted Heart
2009

A Plant-Derived Remedy for Repair of Infarcted Heart

Sample size: 24 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Cheng Lei, Chen Hao, Yao Xinsheng, Qi Guoqing, Liu Hongwei, Lee Kwongman, Lee Kaho, Zhang Jieting, Chen Shihui, Lin Xiaoli, Zhao Wenchao, Li Jiankuan, Li Ming

Primary Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hypothesis

Can cardiogenin, an active component of Geum japonicum, enhance myocardial regeneration in infarcted hearts?

Conclusion

Cardiogenin has therapeutic effects in repairing infarcted hearts by enhancing cardiogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Cardiogenin treatment resulted in a significant reduction in infarct size compared to sham treatment.
  • Histological analysis showed newly regenerated cardiomyocytes in the infarct zone after cardiogenin treatment.
  • Echocardiography demonstrated improved heart function in cardiogenin-treated rats.
  • Signaling pathways associated with cell survival and cardiogenic differentiation were activated by cardiogenin.
  • Transplantation of cardiogenin-pretreated MSCs led to substantial regeneration of functional myocardium.

Takeaway

This study found that a plant extract can help heal damaged hearts by making special cells turn into heart cells.

Methodology

The study involved isolating cardiogenin from Geum japonicum and testing its effects on myocardial regeneration in animal models of myocardial infarction.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of animal models and treatment protocols.

Limitations

The study was conducted in animal models, which may not fully replicate human responses.

Participant Demographics

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004461

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