Fig. 2: Improved cardiac function by adropin-based dual treatment through modifying both transplanted MSCs and host MI microenvironment in rats.

The adropin-treated MSCs (modified “seed”) were implanted into the adropin-treated injured myocardium (modified “soil”), thus implementing dual protective effects of adropin. Representative echocardiograms in M-mode from four groups were shown in (A). Left ventricular EF and FS were shown in (B, C), respectively. MSCs Mesenchymal stem cells. MI Myocardial infarction. EF Ejection fraction. FS Fractional shortening. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, n = 8. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01. NS No significance.