Exercise Training Effects on Circulating Endothelial and Progenitor Cells in Heart Failure
Christos Kourek1,2, Alexandros Briasoulis3,4, Virginia Zouganeli5
1Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise & Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Medicine Department, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece.
Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease
|July 25, 2022
Summary
Heart failure patients have fewer endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Exercise training boosts EPCs, aiding vascular repair and offering a promising therapeutic avenue for heart failure (HF).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a global health concern with rising prevalence and hospitalizations.
- Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) exhibit endothelial dysfunction and lower circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).
- EPCs are crucial for endothelium regeneration, homeostasis, and neovascularization, but their identification remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in heart failure (HF).
- To explore the impact of exercise training on EPCs in HFrEF and HFmrEF patients.
- To understand the mechanisms of EPC mobilization and their therapeutic potential in HF.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis with monoclonal antibodies (e.g., CD34, VEGFR-2) for EPC identification.
- Assessed EPC levels and function in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF.
- Investigated the effects of exercise training on EPC mobilization and vascular repair.
Main Results:
- Patients with HFrEF/HFmrEF show decreased circulating EPC levels.
- Exercise training increases the number and improves the function of EPCs in these patients.
- Both shear stress and hypoxic/ischemic stimuli contribute to EPC mobilization, enhancing vascular repair.
Conclusions:
- EPCs are vital for vascular repair in heart failure and represent a promising therapeutic target.
- Individualized exercise training programs are recommended for HF rehabilitation centers to enhance EPC function.
- Further research into EPCs could lead to novel treatments for heart failure.
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