Endothelial progenitor cells and pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterised by lung endothelial cell dysfunction and vascular remodelling. A number of studies now suggest that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may induce neovascularisation and could be a promising approach for cell based therapy for PAH. On the contrary EPCs may contribute to pulmonary vascular remodelling, particularly in end-stage pulmonary disease. This review article will provide a brief summary of the relationship between PAH and EPCs, the application of the EPCs to PAH and highlight the potential clinical application of the EPCs cell therapy to PAH.