The lack of cell retention clearly represents a potentially serious limitation for therapeutic efficacy of stem cells. To enhance the efficacy, we developed a novel
hydrogel that is thermosensitive and biodegradable and possesses desirable stiffness in a solid form. Immediately after induction of
myocardial infarction of male rat, cardiac outgrowth cells embedded in
hydrogel (HG) or saline (CO) were injected directly into the peri-
infarct area. Left ventricular ejection fraction, cell retention rate, and a spectrum of
biochemical markers were measured to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in the cell-injected groups (HG and CO) than in the control group at 1 week
after treatment. This functional benefit was continued only in the HG group, accompanied with more retained cells. Furthermore, the expression of
insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly higher in the HG group with less progression of cell apoptosis.