The Role of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Postnatal Vasculogenesis: Implications for Therapeutic Neovascularization and Wound Healing

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Significance Postnatal vasculogenesis mediated via endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contributes to re-endothelialization and augments neovascularization after ischemia and tissue injury, providing a novel therapeutic application. However, controversy exists with respect to the origin, identification, and contributions of the EPCs to neovascularization, necessitating further study. Recent advances Bone marrow (BM) or circulating cells expressing cd133/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 include those with endothelial progenitor capacity. Increasing evidence suggests that there are additional BM-derived (myeloid; mesenchymal cells) and non-BM-derived (peripheral and cord-blood; tissue-resident) cell populations which also give rise to endothelial cells (ECs) and contribute to re-endothelialization and growth factor release after ischemia and tissue injury. Currently, EPCs are being used as diagnostic markers for the assessment of cardiovascular and tumor risk/progression. Techniques aimed at enhancing ex vivo expansion and the therapeutic potential of these cells are being optimized. Critical issues Mobilization and EPC-mediated neovascularization are critically regulated. Stimulatory (growth factors, statins, and exercise) or inhibitory factors (obesity, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases) modulate EPC numbers and function. Recruitment and incorporation of

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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