Abstract:

Objective
To  investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) modified by GATA4- pEGFP gene on heart function in myocardial infarction rats and to provide basis for further research on its mechanism.Methods The MSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro.GATA4-pEGFP plasmid was constructed and transfected into MSCs by liposome.40 SD rats were operated to prepare myocardial infarction models and the heart function indexes of the models were evaluated 10 d after the operation.The model rats were randomly divided into MSCs group (n=20) and DMEM group (n=20).The MSCs modified by GATA4-pEGFP gene was transplanted into the area of myocardial infarction of rats 10 d after infarction in MSCs group. The equal volume of  serum-free  DMEM was injected into the myocardial infarction area of rats at the same time in DMEM group.The  left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS) 4 weeks after injecting were detected.Results The isolated   MSCs in vitro  adhered to the plate and they presented fusiform or spindle shape.2 weeks after transfection with  recombinant gene plasmid GATA4-pEGFP,the green fluorescence protein  expressed in  MSCs.4 weeks after  transplantation,the LEVF value in MSCs group(85%±7%) was  increased significantly compared with DMEM group(47%±4%) (P<0.01),and the FS value in MSCs group  (52%±6%) was also increased significantly compared with  DMEM group  (35%±8%)(P<0.01).Conclusion The heart function of myocardial infarction rat can be improved by transplanting MSCs modified by GATA4 gene.

Key words:  GATA4 gene;mesenchymal stem cells;myocardial infarction;heart function