Endothelial progenitor cell research in stroke: a potential shift in pathophysiological and therapeutical concepts.
OBJECTIVE
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the Western world; however, few therapies are at hand to decrease this burden.


RESULTS
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been introduced in cardiovascular medicine as factotums. EPCs can repair damaged endothelium and attenuate the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Also, EPCs can form new vessels in ischemic areas and thus promote recovery after ischemic events. In stroke, however, EPC research is limited. In our overview, we provide background information on EPC use as a risk marker and as a potential therapeutic agent.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, the lack of EPC studies in stroke should instigate vascular neurologists to participate in EPC research, as EPCs could also change pathophysiological concepts and improve clinical treatments in vascular neurology.
Rouhl
Rob P W
RP
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Maastricht, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. R.Rouhl@neurologie.azm.nl
van Oostenbrugge
Robert J
RJ
Damoiseaux
Jan
J
Tervaert
Jan-Willem Cohen
JW
Lodder
Jan
J
D050197:Atherosclerosis; D002309:Cardiology / Q000379:methods; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D009462:Neurology / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*