Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Whether due to atherosclerotic disease or mechanical intervention, vascular injury is a frequently encountered pathology in cardiovascular medicine. The past decade has seen growing interest in the role of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in vessel recovery postinjury. Despite this, the definition, origin and potential role of endothelial progenitor cells in vascular regeneration remains highly controversial. While animal work has shown early promise, evidence of a therapeutic role for endothelial progenitor cells in humans remains elusive. To date, clinical trials involving direct cell administration, growth factor therapy and endothelial cell capture stents have largely been disappointing, although this may in part reflect limitations in study design. This article will outline the pathophysiological mechanisms of vascular injury with an emphasis on endothelial progenitor cell biology and the potential therapeutic role of this exciting new field.

Original publication

DOI

10.2217/fca.14.77

Type

Journal article

Journal

Future cardiol

Publication Date

2015

Volume

11

Pages

45 - 60

Keywords

atherosclerosis, cell therapy, endothelial progenitor cells, percutaneous coronary intervention, vascular injury, Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Animals, Atherosclerosis, Blood Vessels, Disease Progression, Endothelial Progenitor Cells, Humans, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, Myocytes, Smooth Muscle, Pericytes, Plaque, Atherosclerotic, Rupture, Stents, Tissue Engineering