Open AccessVascular dysfunction in diabetes: The endothelial progenitor cells as new therapeutic strategy
Author(s) -
Adelina Georgescu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
world journal of diabetes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1948-9358
DOI - 10.4239/wjd.v2.i6.92
Subject(s) - medicine , progenitor cell , diabetes mellitus , endothelial dysfunction , endothelial progenitor cell , endothelium , endothelial stem cell , vascular disease , stem cell , immunology , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , biochemistry , in vitro
The vascular endothelium is a critical determinant of diabetes-associated vascular complications, and improving endothelial function is an important target for therapy. Diabetes mellitus contributes to endothelial cell injury and dysfunction. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in maintaining endothelial function and might affect the progression of vascular disease. EPCs are essential to blood vessel formation, can differentiate into mature endothelial cells, and promote the repair of damaged endothelium. In diabetes, the circulating EPC count is low and their functionality is impaired. The mechanisms that underlie this reduced count and impaired functionality are poorly understood. Knowledge of the status of EPCs is critical for assessing the health of the vascular system, and interventions that increase the number of EPCs and restore their angiogenic activity in diabetes may prove to be particularly beneficial. The present review outlines current thinking on EPCs' therapeutic potential in endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, as well as evidence-based perspectives regarding their use for vascular regenerative medicine.