Proinflammatory Cytokine Effects on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for the Ischemic Heart

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise for improving myocardial recovery after ischemia. The cardiothoracic surgeon is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of any clinical application of this therapy. As such, a basic understanding of stem cells and the cytokines that affect stem cell function will be an essential component of the surgeon's ever-expanding knowledge base. This review provides: (1) a general overview of stem cells and MSCs in particular, (2) critically analyzes several cytokines known to alter MSC function, and (3) discusses methods to manipulate cytokine-activated MSCs to improve MSC function for potential clinical application.