Biological behaviour and role of endothelial progenitor cells in vascular diseases

Objective To review the biological behaviour of endothelial progenitor cells and their role in vascular diseases.Data sources The data used in this review were mainly from Medline and PubMed for relevant English languagearticles published from 1985 to March 2007.The search term was"endothelial progenitor cells".Study selection Articles about the biological behaviour of endothelial progenitor cells and their roles in thepathogenesis of vascular diseases such as atherogenesis were used.Results Progenitor cells in bone marrow,peripheral blood and adventitia can differentiate into mature endothelial cells(ECs).The progenitor cells,which express certain surface markers including AC133,CD34 and KDR,enable restorationof the microcirculation and ECs when injury or ischaemia occurs.Endothelial progenitor cells used in experimentalmodels and clinical trials for ischaemic syndromes could restore endothelial integrity and inhibit neointima development.Moreover,their number and functional properties are influenced by certain cytokines and atherosclerotic risk factors.Impairment of the progenitor cells might limit the regenerative capacity,even lead to the development of atherosclerosisor other vascular diseases.Conclusions Endothelial progenitor cells have a particular role in prevention and treatment of certain cardiovasculardiseases.However,many challenges remain in understanding differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells,theirmobilization and revascularization.