Endothelial progenitor cells for cardiovascular regeneration.
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are peripheral blood mononuclear cells that can differentiate into mature endothelial cells. Adult EPCs were first discovered in human peripheral blood in 1997. Since then, the potency of EPCs for cardiovascular regeneration has been demonstrated in several preclinical studies; and investigators are beginning to evaluate the therapeutic utility of EPCs in early-phase clinical trials. This review summarizes the progression of basic, preclinical, and clinical research into the potential use of EPC therapy for cardiovascular regeneration.
Kawamoto
Atsuhiko
A
Vascular Regeneration Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe, Japan.
Losordo
Douglas W
DW
D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*