Augmenting endothelial repair in diabetes: role of bone marrow-derived cells

Endothelial loss, a consequence of both higher rates of apoptosis and diminished repair, is a major factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications. Although the repair process previously was viewed to arise primarily from the proliferation and migration of neighbouring endothelial cells, it now has become evident that certain bone marrow-derived cells contribute substantially to this process. Unfortunately, both the number and function of such cells are reduced in diabetes. Here, we first review the effects of current therapies on angiogenic bone marrow-derived cells and then explore future strategies to augment their number and function, aiming to reduce both the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes.