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.
World Journal of Stem Cells
|August 16, 2014
Summary
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.
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