Endothelial progenitor cells for vascular regeneration

J Hematother Stem Cell Res. 2002 Apr;11(2):171-8. doi: 10.1089/152581602753658385.

Abstract

The basis for native as well as therapeutic neovascularization is not restricted to angiogenesis but includes postnatal vasculogenesis. Our laboratory and others' have established that bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are present in the systemic circulation, are augmented in response to certain cytokines and/or tissue ischemia, and home to as well as incorporate into sites of neovascularization. Given the background, EPCs have been investigated as therapeutic agents in these studies of supply-side angiogenesis under pathological as well as physiological conditions. This review discusses the therapeutic potential of EPCs for cardiovascular ischemic diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Regeneration
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / physiology