Endothelial progenitor cells: Functions and clinical application in cardiac and vascular diseases

Ya Li Huang, Yan Wang, Tong Lu

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from bone marrow are capable of endocrine, reendothelialization of injured blood vessels and neovascularization of ischemic lesions; besides, they also play a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the number and functions of circulating EPCs are greatly declined in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Functions of EPCs are associated with not only pathophysiological factors such as aging, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, but also personal lifestyle such as exercise, body weight and smoking, which directly influence the development of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we mainly focus on the relationship between EPCs and cardiovascular risk factors and the potential roles of EPC therapy for cardiovascular diseases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)545-548
Number of pages4
JournalAcademic Journal of Second Military Medical University
Volume31
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 20 2010

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Endothelial progenitor cells
  • Risk factors
  • Therapeutic uses

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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