Published online Jul 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i3.355
Revised: March 26, 2014
Accepted: April 3, 2014
Published online: July 26, 2014
Processing time: 255 Days and 4.9 Hours
Endothelial dysfunction has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Adult endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are derived from hematopoietic stem cells and are capable of forming new blood vessels through a process of vasculogenesis. There are studies which report correlations between circulating EPCs and cardiovascular risk factors. There are also studies on how pharmacotherapies may influence levels of circulating EPCs. In this review, we discuss the potential role of endothelial progenitor cells as both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In addition, we look at the interaction between cardiovascular pharmacotherapies and endothelial progenitor cells. We also discuss how EPCs can be used directly and indirectly as a therapeutic agent. Finally, we evaluate the challenges facing EPC research and how these may be overcome.
Core tip: Our review summarizes the important associations between endothelial progenitor cells, cardiovascular risks, drugs and diseases. Current pharmacotherapies may enhance endothelial progenitor cell numbers and function. These and the evolving endothelial progenitor cell-based therapies may be important in the future treatment of cardiovascular diseases.