title: Endothelial progenitor cells: their potential in the placental vasculature and related complications.
abstract: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have received significant attention in recent times. A role for EPCs has been suggested in a range of pathologies and some recent studies of EPCs in pregnancy have been published. This review provides a guide to the confusing field of EPCs. Attention is paid to their phenotyping, as although elementary this remains a highly debated topic. The current understanding of different subtypes and physiological role of EPCs in the placenta, fetus and adult are also considered. An overview is given as to role of EPC's in the pathophysiology of different disease states and the possible therapeutic and diagnostic applications expected from EPC-related research in obstetrics.
authors.affiliation: Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, The University of Manchester, Research Floor, St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK. Peter.Sipos@manchester.ac.uk
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Sipos
authors.forename: I P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Crocker
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hubel
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply*; D021041:Placental Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*