State-of-the-Art Paper
Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Cardiovascular Disorders

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The important role of the vascular endothelium in cardiovascular health is increasingly recognized. However, mature endothelial cells possess limited regenerative capacity. There is therefore much interest in circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) among the scientific community, especially into their purported role in maintenance of endothelial integrity and function, as well as postnatal neovascularization. It has been suggested that these cells might not only be responsible for the continuous recovery of the endothelium after injury/damage, but also might take part in angiogenesis, giving the hope of new treatment opportunities. Indeed, there is accumulating evidence showing reduced availability and impaired EPC function in the presence of both cardiovascular disease and associated comorbid risk factors. Thus, many studies into the potential for use of EPCs in the clinical setting are being undertaken. The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of data relevant to the clinical role of EPCs and perspectives for treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

ADMA
asymmetric dimethylarginine
CABG
coronary artery bypass grafting
CAD
coronary artery disease
EPC
endothelial progenitor cell
G-CSF
granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
KDR
kinase insert domain receptor
LDL
low-density lipoprotein
MNC
mononuclear cell
NO
nitric oxide
PDGF
platelet-derived growth factor
VEGF
vascular endothelial growth factor

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We acknowledge the support of the Peel Medical Research Trust and the Research and Development Programme of the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust for the Haemostasis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Unit.

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Dr. Shantsila is funded by a research fellowship of the European Society of Cardiology.