[Endothelial progenitor cells as a new marker of endothelial function with respect to risk of cardiovascular disorders]
Barbara Głowińska-Olszewska1, Włodzimierz Luczyński, Artur Bossowski
1Klinika Pediatrii, Endokrynologii, Diabetologii z Pododdziałem Kardiologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku. bglowinska@poczta.onet.pl
Insights
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial for vascular health. Their reduced numbers in chronic diseases highlight their role in cardiovascular risk and disease pathogenesis, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Context:
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) challenge the notion that blood vessel formation is exclusive to embryonic development.
- Altered EPC numbers and function are observed in various conditions, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Circulating EPC levels serve as a biomarker for endothelial function and are linked to vascular disease development.
Purpose:
- To review the fundamental biology and pathophysiology of EPCs.
- To explore the role of EPCs in the context of cardiovascular risk factors.
- To discuss strategies for enhancing EPCs and their therapeutic applications in vascular diseases.
Summary:
- EPCs, discovered over a decade ago, are vital for maintaining vascular integrity.
- Impaired EPC function and reduced counts are associated with numerous chronic diseases and aging.
- Low EPC levels are a significant indicator of endothelial dysfunction and contribute to vascular pathology.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of EPC biology and its clinical relevance.
- Highlights EPCs as potential therapeutic targets for vascular diseases.
- Discusses novel strategies for leveraging EPCs in treating cardiovascular conditions.
Abstract:
The discovery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), over a decade ago, has refuted the previous belief that vasculogenesis only occurs during embryogenesis. The results of several studies revealed altered number and impaired function of EPC in hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity as well as in rheumatoid arthritis. The population of developmental age is characterized by higher counts of EPC compared to adults. However, among young patients with chronic disorders that affect the vascular system, the number of EPC decreases. The reduced circulating concentration of EPC has become a surrogate marker of endothelial function and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many vascular diseases. This article aims to review the biology and pathophysiology of EPC in the conditions of cardiovascular risk factors. The potential possibilities of increasing EPC number and function as well as the use of EPC in the treatment of vascular pathology will also be discussed.
