In vivo efficacy of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in comparison with human Bone Marrow derived Cells in a murine hindlimb ischemia model

Background: Cell therapy (CT) has been proposed for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). So far, clinical trials were encouraging but failed to establish efficacy. In most cases, autologous bone marrow derived cells (BMCs) were used. BMCs are obtained from elderly ill patients, with pro inflammatory potential. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be a better option as they combine angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of our study was to evaluate efficacy of two types of MSCs: undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and “endothelial like” mesenchymal stem cells (MELs) in comparison with currently used BMCs.