[Vascular endothelium regeneration therapy]

CD34 positive cells were first defined as endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs) from circulating mononuclear cells in peripheral blood. EPCs have shown to be mobilized from bone marrow by the various factors, incorporate into sites of physiological and pathological neovascularization and differentiate into mature endothelial cells (ECs). Post-natal vasculogenesis has been considered to be involved in neovascularization of adult tissues. Recently, freshly isolated CD34 positive cells transplantation has started as clinical trial for ischemic diseases. In the clinical situation, we should consider the cell number and cell quality derived from the patients who have atherosclerosis background, especially diabetes. Ex vivo expansion or gene modification of EPCs could be the strategies for the next generation cell therapy to overcome these issues.