[Research progress on biological characteristics and clinical application of endothelial progenitor cells--review].
Endothelial progenitor cells are precursors of endothelial cells, which are able to differentiate into mature endothelial cells. Studies are needed to increase more detailed understanding on the mechanisms of EPC-differentiation, survival, homing and distribution of the tissue. The human EPC has potential to be used as diagnostic and prognostic or therapeutic tools in the future. This review describes recent studies on the biological characteristics and clinical application of EPC, including immunophenotype and functional characteristics of EPCs, mobilization, release and differentiation of EPCs, EPC number and recruitment, clinical application of EPCs, and so on.
Yao
Gen-Hong
GH
Department of Transfusion, Nanjing General Hospital, PLA Nanjing Military Area, Clinical School, Nanjing University Medical College, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China. yaogenhong@yahoo.com
Luan
Jian-Feng
JF
D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*