Coronary artery disease (CAD) arising from atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death and
morbidity worldwide. The underlying pathogenesis involves an imbalanced lipid metabolism …

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 play an important homeostatic
function by mediating the homing of progenitor cells in the bone marrow and regulating their …

Apoptosis is a pivotal process in embryogenesis and postnatal cell homeostasis and
involves the shedding of membranous microvesicles termed apoptotic bodies. In response …

Background—After myocardial infarction (MI), bone marrow–derived cells (BMDCs) are
found within the myocardium. The mechanisms determining BMDC recruitment to the heart …

Background—Stem and progenitor cell therapy is a novel approach to improve
neovascularization and function of ischemic tissue. Enhanced tissue expression of …

The fundamental importance of chemokines for atherogenesis, progression, and
destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques is now widely appreciated, but the degree of …

The CXC ligand (CXCL) 12/CXC receptor (CXCR) 4 chemokine–receptor axis controls
hematopoiesis, organ development, and angiogenesis, but its role in the inflammatory …

Renal SDF-1 signals mobilization and homing of CXCR4-positive cells to the kidney after
ischemic injury. Background Stem cell and leukocyte migration during homeostasis and …

Objective: To summarize the structure, function, and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs) and to review the literature to date on their potential role in the pathogenesis of …

Background—Adult stem cells can contribute to myocardial regeneration after ischemic
injury. Bone marrow and skeletal muscles contain a population of CXCR4+ cells expressing …