Endothelial progenitor cells: biology and therapeutic potential in hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
In this review, we summarize some of the recent advances in our understanding of the biology of endothelial progenitor cells, and discuss the potential relevance of these progenitor cells for endothelial function and associated microvascular abnormalities that can form the structural basis of essential hypertension.


RESULTS
Both in experimental models of hypertension and in patients with hypertension, the function of endothelial progenitor cells is impaired. Also, some antihypertensive drugs that have been associated with reversal of endothelial function and microvascular rarefaction appear to correct endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
While information on endothelial progenitor biology is still limited in patients with hypertension in comparison with, for example, patients with coronary artery disease, it is a topic that warrants the attention of researchers in the hypertension field, as it may have important implications for the development of organ damage, and potentially could be linked to the pathogenesis of hypertension itself.
Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Anton-Jan
AJ
van Zonneveld
Ton J
TJ
Rabelink
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents