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Endothelial progenitor cell therapy for the treatment of coronary disease, acute MI, and pulmonary arterial hypertension: Current perspectives
Author(s) -
Ward Michael R.,
Stewart Duncan J.,
Kutryk Michael J.B.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
catheterization and cardiovascular interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1522-726X
pISSN - 1522-1946
DOI - 10.1002/ccd.21302
Subject(s) - medicine , progenitor cell , restenosis , myocardial infarction , angioplasty , endothelial progenitor cell , clinical trial , cardiology , cell therapy , endothelium , stem cell , stem cell therapy , bone marrow , endothelial dysfunction , disease , pulmonary hypertension , intensive care medicine , transplantation , stent , genetics , biology
Since their identification in 1997, bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been studied for their role in the endogenous maintenance and repair of endothelium and their potential regenerative capacity beyond the endothelium. In particular, EPCs have been tested in cell therapy approaches with the aim of developing novel therapies for conditions currently lacking effective treatment options. In this review, we discuss the scientific background and clinical experience using EPC delivery or mobilization for the treatment of post‐angioplasty restenosis, acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although these approaches are safe, efficacy has yet to be proven in large randomized clinical trials. Unfortunately, the biology of EPCs is still poorly understood. The success of future clinical trials depends on a better understanding of EPC biology and intelligent design. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.