Role of endothelial progenitor cells in cardiovascular pathology.
Replacement of injured endothelial cells by bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC's) is a new pathway of vascular repair after ischemia. Endothelial progenitor cells contribute less than 0.01% to the peripheral venous compartment of mononuclear cells. The detection of EPC's requires a demonstration of CD 34 and VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2) antigenic cell membrane determinants and proof of endothelial characteristics after outgrowth and differentiation in cell culture. The most important stimuli to the mobilization and proliferation of EPC's are VEGF, GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor), erythropoietin, HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors and tissue ischemia. In vivo in patients EPC's appear to contribute to endothelialization of vascular grafts, the formation of collaterals of ischemic limbs and the healing of myocardial infarcts. The role of EPC's in uremia is currently under investigation.
Gross
P
P
Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center, TU Dresden, Germany. petergross@mailbox.tu-dresden.de
Herbrig
K
K
D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000637:transplantation*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023461:Myeloid Progenitor Cells; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000378:metabolism
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D004921:Erythropoietin; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2