Circulating endothelial and progenitor cells: Evidence from acute and long-term exercise effects
Matina Koutroumpi1, Stavros Dimopoulos, Katherini Psarra
1Matina Koutroumpi, Stavros Dimopoulos, Serafim Nanas, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Medicine Department, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece.
World Journal of Cardiology
|December 29, 2012
Summary
Physical activity boosts circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), crucial for blood vessel health. This review explores EPCs
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Cell Biology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone-marrow-derived cells vital for maintaining vascular integrity.
- Reduced peripheral blood EPCs correlate with endothelial dysfunction and elevated cardiovascular risk.
- EPCs play a significant role in endothelium maintenance and restoration of normal endothelial cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of EPCs in healthy individuals and various disease states.
- To examine the impact of physical activity on circulating EPC levels.
- To present evidence on exercise's effects on EPCs in diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on EPCs.
- Analysis of studies investigating EPCs in cardiovascular risk factors and diseases.
- Synthesis of research on acute and long-term exercise interventions affecting EPCs.
Main Results:
- EPCs are critical for endothelium maintenance and repair.
- Low EPC counts are linked to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
- Physical activity, including single sessions and training programs, significantly increases circulating EPCs.
Conclusions:
- EPCs are key players in vascular health and disease.
- Exercise interventions show promise for enhancing EPC levels.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate exercise's full impact on EPCs across different populations.
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