Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells are pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into myocardial and vascular endothelial cells. The present invention demonstrates that the mesenchymal stem cell sheet have therapeutic potential for a severely damaged heart due to its pluripotency and in situ self-renewal capability. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue were cultured to prepare a mesenchymal stem cell sheet. Four weeks after induction of myocardial infarction in rats, the mesenchymal stem cell sheet was transplanted to the heart. The mesenchymal stem cell sheet were readily engrafted to the surface of the scarred myocardium, grew gradually in situ, and formed a thick layer (approximately 600 ?m) in 4 weeks. The grown transplanted mesenchymal tissue contained newly formed blood vessels, myocardial cells, and undifferentiated mesenchymal cells.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-containing complex, containing a nucleic acid and a biodegradable polymer, especially a positively-charged water-insoluble biodegradable polymer, is disclosed. The complex has excellent properties of sustainedly releasing a desired nucleic acid, especially DNA, to a site in need of a treatment. Since the complex can be taken up to phagocytes such as macrophages and delivered specifically to the target site, the function of the nucleic acid can be exhibited in a target site specific manner, and thus more specific gene therapy can be achieved. The complex has no adverse effects, such as occurrence of recombinants or toxicity which could be caused by using a virus vector such as adenovirus, or liposome. Thus, the complex is particularly preferable for the field of gene therapy. Furthermore, the complex enhances the biological effect of the nucleic acid introduced into the cells, allowing a gene therapy with a lower dose of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-complex, containing a nucleic acid and a positively charged, water-insoluble biodegradable polymer, is disclosed. The complex has properties of sustainedly releasing a desired nucleic acid, especially DNA, to a site. The complex can be taken up by phagocytes such as macrophages and delivered to a target site, allowing the function of the nucleic acid to be exhibited in a target specific manner.