Advances in the Pharmacological Intervention of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Ischemic stroke, a common central nervous system disease that seriously threatens human life and health, is characterized by rapid progress and a high disability fatality rate. Ischemic tissue can produce a large amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) to promote the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). <b><i>Summary:</i></b> As newly discovered stem cells, EPCs can promote angiogenesis in ischemic tissue, repair the damaged vascular endothelium, and maintain vascular homeostasis. Thus, EPCs have become a new research hotspot in this field. This review focuses on the mechanism of EPCs and the intervention of various novel drugs, including small molecules and biomolecules, which will promote the capture, proliferation, and differentiation of EPCs. Then, we explore the promotion of vascular health and the prospect of its application in the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). <b><i>Key Message:</i></b> It is clinically significant to study the potential of new drug therapy to target EPCs. More effective cytokines, signal pathways, and other drugs should be explored in the future and their specific mechanisms determined. Research should reveal more biological functions of EPCs and achieve their efficient amplification to improve therapy against CIS stroke.

Recent advances in tissue repair of the blood-brain barrier after stroke

“…EPC, a precursor of vascular EC, can be obtained from circulating monocyte populations, umbilical cord blood, and BM. 53 , 54 It was found that when vessels are exposed to ischemia and hypoxia, perfusion of BM-derived EPC enables them to migrate to the ischemic region and differentiate into mature vascular EC to repair damaged vessels and promote new vessel formation, or secrete cytokines, including VEGF and basic fibroblast growth factor, to indirectly participate in vascular remodeling. 55 , 56 …”