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Updated: May 27, 2026
Isolation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood
Published on: September 14, 2017
"Endothelial progenitor cells" as a therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular disease
Nicolle Kränkel1, Thomas F Lüscher, Ulf Landmesser
1Department of Cardiology,University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Insights
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) show promise for treating cardiovascular diseases by promoting blood vessel growth. Research is exploring different cell types and their dysfunction to improve cell-based therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Regenerative medicine
- Cell biology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally.
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) show potential for promoting angiogenesis and tissue repair.
- There is a need for improved preventive and regenerative therapies for cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on distinct cell populations termed "endothelial progenitor cells" (EPCs).
- To discuss clinical studies evaluating EPCs for cardiovascular disease treatment.
- To explore mechanisms of EPC dysfunction in cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on endothelial progenitor cells.
- Analysis of clinical trial data on cell-based therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
- Examination of research on cellular mechanisms underlying EPC function and dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Multiple distinct cell populations are collectively referred to as EPCs, including myeloid and other progenitor cells.
- Clinical studies are investigating the therapeutic potential of these cells for cardiovascular applications.
- Insights into EPC dysfunction in cardiovascular disease are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the heterogeneity of EPCs is crucial for optimizing autologous cell-based treatments.
- Cellular dysfunction of EPCs presents a potential novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular atherosclerotic and ischemic diseases constitute the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout middle- and high-income countries. More efficient preventive and regenerative therapeutic strategies are therefore urgently needed. The repeated finding that putative "endothelial progenitor cells" (EPCs) can efficiently promote angiogenesis and restore perfusion of ischemic tissues has provoked a wealth of studies evaluating and developing their therapeutic potential. In the present review, we discuss the growing knowledge about various distinct cell populations which have been collectively termed "EPCs", including myeloid cells and progenitor cells of different origin. We also present clinical studies aiming to examine their therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease. In addition, we will discuss recent insights into mechanisms leading to dysfunction of "EPCs" in cardiovascular disease. Those findings may help to optimize autologous cell-based treatment approaches, as well as to establish cellular dysfunction itself as an interesting novel therapeutic target.
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