Future investigations in stem cell activation with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor after myocardial infarction

Experimental data indicate that stem cell mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) might have potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for acute myocardial infarction. The prospective beneficial effects of G-CSF can be attributed mainly to a direct action on injured myocardium rather than on differentiation of mobilized bone marrow stem cells into cardiac myocytes. This article reviews the evidence for the potential cardioprotective effects of G-CSF and discusses future investigations regarding pharmacologic stem cell activation and mobilization with G-CSF in the setting of acute myocardial infarction.