SUNRISE, Fla., Sept 18, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A preclinical study involving the injection of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the myocardium (heart muscle tissue) of infarcted rats, was recently completed at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, Jordan by medical and veterinary doctors from that institution and the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan.

The study, led by Mahmoud Abu-Abeeleh, MD, Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery, University of Jordan School of Medicine, Amman-Jordan, showed evidence of regeneration of cardiomyocytes (heart cells) subsequent to injection of ADSCs following heart attack, or acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The study consisted of 99 nude rats* randomized into one of six treatment arms (including a control group receiving injection-vehicle containing cell media only). ADSCs for the treatment groups were obtained from humans using the TGI 100 Cell Isolation System for collection of endothelial progenitor cells (bone-marrow derived cells) and stem cells from adipose (fat) tissue. Bioheart has secured an exclusive, worldwide license to, upon commercial approval, sell or lease the more advanced TGI 1200 System, manufactured by Tissue Genesis, Inc. for the treatment of AMI.