Effect of miR-98/IL-6/STAT3 on Autophagy and Apoptosis of Cardiac Stem Cells Under Hypoxic Conditions In vitro

The heavy burden of cardiovascular diseases demands innovative therapeutic strategies dealing with cardiomyocyte loss. Cardiac Stem Cells (CSCs) are renewable cells in the myocardium with differentiation and endocrine functions. However, their functions are significantly inhibited in conditions of severe hypoxia or inflammation. The mechanism of hypoxia affecting CSCs is not clear. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) appears active in both hypoxic and inflammatory microenvironments. The aim of this study was to explore whether IL-6 is related to CSC apoptosis and autophagy under severe hypoxia.