Background Adipose tissue-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) have been shown to be an effective cell-source for cell-transplantation therapy. On the other hand, it was reported that adiponectin (APN) which has been suggested to be the major therapeutic factor was released by mature adipocytes. A diabetes drug, such as Pioglitazone promotes APN transcription and adipogenic differentiation of adipose derived stem cells. We herein hypothesised that transplantation of human ADRCs into the rat chronic myocardial infarction (MI) may induce functional recovery and concomitant introduction of Pioglitazone may enhance therapeutic effect of ADRCs.

Methods and Results Human ADRCs were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue of adult human with Celution automated cell isolation machine. These cells were embedded in bio-compatible fibrin-glue to produce ADRC-fibrin graft (FG), immediately after cell isolation. In vitro study, the ADRC-FG released VEGF and HGF over time. Transplantation of ADRC-FG (Group A), ADRCs with Pioglitazone (Group AP) and sham (Group C) operation were performed in MI model of nude rat. After the transplantation, group A and AP showed significantly greater ejection fraction than the sham group. In addition, diameter of myocytes and fibrotic area were significantly less in the ADRC-FS transplanted group than the group C.

Conclusions Transplantation of ADRC-FG on the epicardium yielded functional recovery in chronic MI rat heart, and this effect was enhanced with diabetes drug. These findings suggest that this cell and adjuvant drug therapy may have a potential in future clinical scenario.