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Antioxidant protection: yet another function of endothelial progenitor cells?

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 21, pages 343–346 (2007)Cite this article

Previously considered purely as a mechanical monolayer barrier, the modern view of the endothelium is of an extremely active ‘biochemical laboratory’ acting in both an endocrine and paracrine manner to maintain and regulate vascular health.1, 2 The strong association between endothelial damage/dysfunction and cardiovascular disease has been the subject of intense research. Indeed, the endothelium is believed to play a pivotal role in many cardiovascular disease states, including hypertension.3 However, the concept of ‘endothelial dysfunction’ should not be limited purely to endothelial abnormalities, but should include consideration of a host of anomalies that occur in the conduit vessel wall, within the blood and perhaps even extended to alterations in the number and/or function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) within the bone marrow.

In all individuals, the vascular wall and the endothelium undergo a constant process of injury and repair in response to both mechanical and chemical injury. Accumulating evidence suggests that circulating EPCs derived from the bone marrow play an important role in the maintenance of vascular integrity by augmentation of neovascularization, endothelial repair and promotion of endothelial function.4, 5 Both physiological (e.g. aging) and pathological (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease) conditions are associated with decreased number of circulating EPCs.6, 7 Transplantation of EPCs from healthy individuals has suggested that these cells have capacity for potent angiogenic properties and may promote preservation of ischemic tissue. However, some disparity exists between the pronounced angiogenic effects of EPCs on animal models and the rather modest effects seen in clinical trials on human subjects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Department of Medicine, Haemostasis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK

    E Shantsila, T Watson & G Y H Lip

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  1. E Shantsila
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Correspondence to G Y H Lip.

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Shantsila, E., Watson, T. & Lip, G. Antioxidant protection: yet another function of endothelial progenitor cells?. J Hum Hypertens 21, 343–346 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1002166

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