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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice

Published on: February 20, 2019

The role of stem cells in atherosclerosis

Q Xu1

  • 1Department of Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK. q.xu@sghms.ac.uk

Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|July 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Stem and progenitor cells drive arteriosclerosis development and lesion formation. These cells contribute to endothelial repair and smooth muscle cell accumulation, offering potential for vascular disease therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Arteriosclerosis involves stem and progenitor cells in various forms, including transplant arteriosclerosis, restenosis, and spontaneous atherosclerosis.
  • Stem/progenitor cells in circulation and adventitia are implicated in endothelial repair and smooth muscle cell accumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of stem/progenitor cells in the initiation and progression of arteriosclerosis.
  • To investigate the contribution of these cells to atherosclerotic lesion formation and vascular repair.

Main Methods:

  • Review of accumulating evidence on stem/progenitor cell involvement in vascular disease.
  • Analysis of mechanisms including endothelial death, cell replacement, migration, proliferation, and differentiation.

Main Results:

  • Atherosclerosis initiation involves endothelial death and replacement by stem/progenitor cells.
  • Progenitor cells migrate to the intima, proliferate, and differentiate into new smooth muscle cells (neo-SMC).
  • Stem/progenitor cells are central to the inflammatory process of atherosclerotic lesion formation.

Conclusions:

  • Stem/progenitor cells serve as a source for endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in arteriosclerosis.
  • These findings have significant implications for cellular, genetic, and tissue engineering strategies for vascular disease treatment.

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