Early and massive death of myloblasts transplanted into skeletal muscle: responsible factors and potential solutions

Purpose of review Myoblast transplantation is a potential approach to repair damaged muscle in several myopathies. This approach is limited by the early and massive death of transplanted myoblasts. The purpose of the review is to report the major factors responsible for this phenomenon and possible ways to overcome them. Recent findings Several factors are proposed to be responsible for the death of transplanted myoblasts. To date, researchers have mainly concentrated on the role of the inflammatory reaction. Recent data suggest that ischemia, hypoxia and anoikis are also implicated. Several solutions have been investigated to prevent the death of transplanted myoblasts. These approaches are mainly based on genetic modification of injected cells to make them express antiapoptotic or prosurvival proteins, and on the use of anti inflammatory proteins. Summary We review the role of the inflammatory reaction, physical stress, anoikis, and ischemia in the early and massive death of transplanted myoblasts and we propose approaches to overcome these complications. Reducing the number of myoblasts that die following transplantation into skeletal muscle would improve graft success.