From bone marrow to the arterial wall: the ongoing tale of endothelial progenitor cells.
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.
Leone
Antonio Maria
AM
Institute of Cardiology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy. antoniomarialeone@yahoo.it
Valgimigli
Marco
M
Giannico
Maria Benedetta
MB
Zaccone
Vincenzo
V
Perfetti
Matteo
M
D'Amario
Domenico
D
Rebuzzi
Antonio Giuseppe
AG
Crea
Filippo
F
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
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D016207:Cytokines