Abstract: Methods for generating serum-free and/or xenogen-free cardiac explant-derived stem cells (EDC) are provided. These methods may include providing an initial cardiac explant, which has been minced and digested; plating the initial cardiac explant; culturing the plated cardiac explant in serum-free and xenogen-free medium; harvesting EDC cells surrounding or emerging from the plated cardiac explant; and optionally performing static expansion of harvested EDC cells in serum-free and xenogen-free media. Serum-free and/or xenogen-free cardiac EDC cells produced by these methods, as well as methods and uses thereof for the treatment of heart failure in a subject in need thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for generating serum-free and/or xenogen-free cardiac explant-derived stem cells (EDC) are provided. These methods may include providing an initial cardiac explant, which has been minced and digested; plating the initial cardiac explant; culturing the plated cardic explant in serum-free and xenogen-free medium; harvesting EDC cells surrounding or emerging from the plated cardiac explant; and optionally performing static expansion of harvested EDC cells in serum-free and xenogen-free media. Serum-free and/or xenogen-free cardiac EDC cells produced by these methods, as well as methods and uses thereof for the treatment of heart failure in a subject in need thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: Early onset of pulmonary disorders such as pulmonary hypertension are treated or prevented by administration of an apoptosis inhibitor or a survival factor. Early onset of such disorders may be diagnosed by assessing apoptosis in lung tissue.

Abstract: Composite vascular grafts, their methods of construction, and methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the grafts are tubular multilayer composite grafts having a luminal blood-contacting elastin layer and an outer collagen layer to impart mechanical strength to the elastin layer. The elastin and collagen layers may comprise substantially acelluar matrixes isolated from the tissue of an animal. In particular embodiments the blood contacting layer consists essentially of pure elastin, and is substantially free of collagen. An adhesive may be used to secure the collagen and elastin layers to one another. Growth factors may be added to the adhesive of the elastin or collagen layers to promote in growth of cells into the graft.

Abstract: Cell therapy comprises encapsulating a cell with an integrin or other cell interaction factor, for administration to a mammal. The cells may express a therapeutic transgene or the cells may be regenerative.