G-CSF in the setting of acute myocardial infarction

Experimental data suggest that stem cell mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) may have potential as a novel regenerative strategy in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Potentially beneficial effects of G-CSF may be attributed mainly to direct action of the cytokine G-CSF on injured myocardium by inhibition of apoptosis, rather than to differentiation of mobilized bone marrow stem cells into cardiac myocytes. This article reviews potential cardioprotective effects of G-CSF and discusses experimental and clinical findings with G-CSF in the setting of AMI.