Endothelial progenitor cells for postnatal vasculogenesis.
Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are present in the systemic circulation, are augmented in response to certain cytokines and/or tissue ischemia, and are home to--as well as incorporate into--sites of neovascularization. On the basis of these aspects, EPCs have attractive potential therapeutic applications for cardiovascular ischemic diseases as a novel cell-based strategy, mainly via a vasculogenesis mechanism. This review provides an update of the biology of EPCs, as well as highlighting the potential use of these cells for therapeutic regeneration.
Eguchi
Masamichi
M
Department of Regenerative Medicine Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
Masuda
Haruchika
H
Asahara
Takayuki
T
D000818:Animals; D001773:Blood Cells; D002469:Cell Separation; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D009398:Nephrology; D036102:Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells