title: From bone marrow to the arterial wall: the ongoing tale of endothelial progenitor cells.
abstract: Several physiological and pathophysiological stimuli or drugs modulate endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) mobilization. Moreover, levels of circulating EPCs predict cardiovascular risk and left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction. Nevertheless, our understanding in this field is complicated by lack of an unequivocal definition of EPCs, thus limiting their clinical applications. This review summarizes current knowledge and uncertainties on EPC characterization and mobilization in the attempt to define their role in the management of cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cardiology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy. antoniomarialeone@yahoo.it
authors.forename: Antonio Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Leone
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Valgimigli
authors.forename: Maria Benedetta
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Giannico
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zaccone
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perfetti
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: D'Amario
authors.forename: Antonio Giuseppe
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Rebuzzi
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Crea
mesh_terms: D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000473:pathology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D016207:Cytokines