IGF-1Ea induces vessel formation after injury and mediates bone marrow and heart cross-talk through the expression of specific cytokines

► In skeletal muscle overexpression of IGF-1Ea mobilizes bone marrow stem cell favouring tissue repair and integrity. ► We observed that in cardiac muscle IGF-1Ea induces VEGF and MCP2 expression. ► Increased number of c-Kit/Sca1 positive cells in the bone marrow correlates with the cytokine profile. ► Moreover, cardiac side population is primed to form endothelial-like tubular structure by IGF-1Ea. ► The above signaling correlates with recapillarization of the cardiac tissue in the area bordering the infarct.