Endothelial progenitor cells in cardiovascular diseases
Poay Sian Sabrina Lee1, Kian Keong Poh1
1Poay Sian Sabrina Lee, Kian Keong Poh, Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore.
Insights
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) show promise as biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases and can be therapeutic agents. Research is exploring their role in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, alongside pharmacotherapy interactions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
- Adult endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) originate from hematopoietic stem cells and contribute to vasculogenesis.
- Circulating EPC levels correlate with cardiovascular risk factors and are influenced by pharmacotherapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic and prognostic potential of EPCs as biomarkers.
- To examine the interplay between cardiovascular pharmacotherapies and EPCs.
- To discuss the therapeutic applications of EPCs and challenges in EPC research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on endothelial progenitor cells.
- Analysis of the role of EPCs in cardiovascular disease development.
- Evaluation of EPCs as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- EPCs may serve as valuable biomarkers for cardiovascular conditions.
- Interactions between cardiovascular drugs and EPCs are significant.
- EPCs hold potential for direct and indirect therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- EPCs represent a promising area for cardiovascular disease research.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in EPC utilization.
- EPCs could enhance cardiovascular diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.
Abstract:
Endothelial dysfunction has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Adult endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are derived from hematopoietic stem cells and are capable of forming new blood vessels through a process of vasculogenesis. There are studies which report correlations between circulating EPCs and cardiovascular risk factors. There are also studies on how pharmacotherapies may influence levels of circulating EPCs. In this review, we discuss the potential role of endothelial progenitor cells as both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In addition, we look at the interaction between cardiovascular pharmacotherapies and endothelial progenitor cells. We also discuss how EPCs can be used directly and indirectly as a therapeutic agent. Finally, we evaluate the challenges facing EPC research and how these may be overcome.
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