Role of telocytes in the heart in health and diseases

Abstract

This review summarizes the data available in the literature on the development, structure, and function of telocytes (TCs) and their role in the heart in health and diseases. At the present time, TCs have been found in many organs of mammals and humans. TC is a small oval cell that contains a nucleus surrounded by small amounts of cytoplasm, with extremely long and thin processes named telopodias. TCs have unique ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features; double positive labeling for CD34/PDGFR-β and CD34/vimentin is suitable for their identification. The role of TCs in the heart at different study stages is the subject of debate. There are currently available data on a decline in the number of cardiac TCs in patients with various heart diseases. Relying on a number of investigations showing that TCs are present in the subepicardial stem cell niches, the authors consider a hypothesis for the key role of cardiac TCs in the regeneration and reparation of the heart.

Evaluation of the Plasticity of Novel Regulatory Cells—Telocytes—in the Gonad of the Male Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) Associated with Seasonal Reproductive Activity

“…This relationship has been observed in human uterine leiomyoma where TCs act as “hormone sensors” for stem cells, providing a scaffold for newly formed myocytes or controlling important downstream signaling pathways (Li et al, 2019). In addition, there were also experiments that had demonstrated a close relationship between TCs and capillaries in the interstitial tissue of lung and dermis, indicating that TCs may be involved in blood–air barrier formation and immune microenvironment regulation (Liskova et al, 2017; Aschacher et al, 2022; Meng et al, 2022; Tang et al, 2022 a , 2022 b ). Based on these reports and our observations, we may postulate that TCs may be involved in the formation of a blood–testis barrier structure between the STs and capillary blood.…”

“…Today, co-cells are known as telocytes (TCs). They were described first time by Popescu's team in 2005 in the human fallopian tube, pancreas, and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems in detail (Popescu and Faussone-Pellegrini, 2010; Milia et al, 2013; Cretoiu and Popescu, 2014; Manetti et al, 2015; Manole et al, 2015; Dawidowicz et al, 2016; Liskova et al, 2017; Xu et al, 2019). In purpose to find out the characteristics of TCs, a number of cellular and molecular biology techniques were used, showing that these cells are characterized by a small cell body and have a variable number of prolongations called telopodes (Tps).…”

Biochemical parameters of rat blood in the models of chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease at the administration of nitric oxide donor

“…CHF was induced experimentally by administering the drug mesatone (0.5 ml/kg) for 21 days with subsequent physical exertion. [20] CKD was experimentally induced by a single injection of a 50% aqueous solution of glycerol (10 ml/kg) into the hind limb's muscles. [21] Subsequently, rats with a models of CHF and CKD were given intragastric Chlofusan (2 mg/kg).…”

Telocytes and Atrial Fibrillation: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice

“…Благодаря своим длинным телоподиям телоциты объединяют клетки разных типов и могут передавать межклеточные сигналы на длинные расстояния. Межклеточные коммуникации осуществляются посредством соединительных белков или удаленно посредством внеклеточных пузырьков [16][17].…”

“…Проведенные фундаментальные исследования доказывают, что телоциты находятся в миокарде, эпикарде, эндокарде и нишах кардиальных стволовых клеток человека [19]. Тело-циты распределены в сердце неравномерно: количество их в предсердиях гораздо больше, чем в желудочках, их число существенно увеличивается от момента рождения до 20-летнего возраста, а затем постепенно уменьшается [17]. Телоциты в миокарде образуют трехмерную сеть, располагаясь в продольном и поперечном направлении.…”