Resistance training combined with stem cell transplantation promotes vascular remodeling after myocardial infarction
10.3760/cma.j.cn421666-20250326-00270
- VernacularTitle:干细胞移植联合抗阻训练对心肌梗死大鼠血管重塑的影响
- Author:
Shuang REN
1
;
Guan KOU
;
Jixin ZHI
;
Weidong WU
;
Xiaozhe LIU
Author Information
1. 河南体育学院，郑州 450044
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Resistance training;
Stem cell transplantation;
Myocardial infarction;
Vascular remodeling;
Cardiac function
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2025;47(10):874-881
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the effect of combining resistance training with stem cell transplantation on vascular remodeling after myocardial infarction, so as to provide a theoretical basis and treatment for clinical use.Methods:Seventy-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a stem cell group, and a training and model combination group. All except the sham operation group underwent myocardial infarction modeling by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The stem cell group then received transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the training group performed weight-bearing ladder training. The combination group was given both interventions. The experiments lasted 8 weeks. At the end of the final exercise session, cardiac structure and functioning and myocardial blood flow were assessed using color Doppler ultrasound. Any pathological changes were observed through HE and Masson staining. Capillary density in the heart was determined via CD31 immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) proteins were measured using western blotting.Results:Compared with the model group, cardiac structure and function showed significant improvement in the stem cell, training and combination groups. This was manifested as decreased end-diastolic diameter and end-systolic diameter in the left ventricle, along with increased left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fraction shortening, the ratio of early to late diastolic filling velocity, and myocardial blood flow. Histological examination revealed a significant increase in capillary density, reduced collagen area, and less pathological hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in the stem cell, training and combination groups. In those groups there was also upregulation of angiogenesis-related cytokines (VEGF, CD31, α-SMA and p-eNOS). Notably, all these improvements were particularly pronounced in the combination group.Conclusion:Resistance training combined with stem cell transplantation effectively improves vascular remodeling and enhances cardiac function after a myocardial infarction, at least in rats. The combination is more effective than either intervention alone.
