Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in cerebrovascular disease

Stroke is associated with high disability and mortality burdens worldwide, but there are few effective and widely available therapies. There is therefore a need to develop treatments that promote the repair and regeneration of ischemic brain tissue. In this regard, a population of adult stem cells-called endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)-has been identified in peripheral blood that could provide novel approaches in regenerative medicine for curing patients with acute ischemic stroke. There is accumulating evidence that EPCs can repair damaged endothelia and attenuate the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Also, EPCs can be recruited in response to acute ischemic events and participate in reparative vasculogenesis. Most studies related to EPCs have involved patients with cardiovascular diseases, and there is emerging evidence that EPCs represent a risk marker and a potential therapeutic agent in cerebrovascular disease. Here we review the characteristics and biology of EPCs in cerebrovascular disease and discuss the challenges that must be addressed to clarify the role and therapeutic applicability of EPCs in cerebrovascular disease.