Aging, Progenitor Cell Exhaustion, and Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background-Atherosclerosis is largely attributed to chronic vascular injury, as occurs with excess cholesterol; however, the effect of concomitant vascular aging remains unexplained. We hypothesize that the effect of time in atherosclerosis progression is related to obsolescence of endogenous progenitor cells that normally repair and rejuvenate the arteries. Methods and Results-Here we show that chronic treatment with bone marrow-derived progenitor cells from young nonatherosclerotic ApoE Ϫ/Ϫ mice prevents atherosclerosis progression in ApoE Ϫ/Ϫ recipients despite persistent hypercholesterolemia. In contrast, treatment with bone marrow cells from older ApoE Ϫ/Ϫ mice with atherosclerosis is much less effective. Cells with vascular progenitor potential are decreased in the bone marrow of aging ApoE Ϫ/Ϫ mice, but cells injected from donor mice engraft on recipient arteries in areas at risk for atherosclerotic injury. Conclusions-Our

Mesenchymal stem cells are superior to angiogenic growth factor genes for improving myocardial performance in the mouse model of acute myocardial infarction

“…Furthermore, Rauscher et al have demonstrated the progressive progenitor cell deficits in older animals [36]. Several studies have demonstrated that risk factors for coronary artery disease correlate with a reduced number and functional activity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells [37].…”

Premature vascular senescence in metabolic syndrome: Could it be prevented and reversed by a selenorganic antioxidant and peroxynitrite scavenger ebselen?

“…EPC may play a critical role in the maintenance of integrity of vascular endothelium and in its repair after injury or inflammation (30). EPC are subjected to various stressors, the same as occur in other cells that could impair their competence (31). Hyperglycemia has been reported to reduce survival and impair function of circulating EPCs (32).…”

Ambient particulate matter exposure and cardiovascular diseases: a focus on progenitor and stem cells

“…Bone marrow‐derived EPCs play a critical role in vascular re‐endothelialization, angiogenesis and prevention of neointima formation after vascular injury 13, 15, 44. There is an obvious inverse relation between the level of circulating EPCs and the risk of cardiovascular events in the patients with angiographically documented CAD 45.…”

“…Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are involved in EPCs dysfunction in many disease states including hyperlipidaemia, DM and CAD 13, 15, 44. It was observed that the functional impairment of human EPCs by diesel exhaust particles was associated with an increased superoxide production 120.…”

“…Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in vascular re‐endothelialization, angiogenesis and prevention of neointima formation after vascular injury 13, 14, 15, 16. The number and function of stem cells (SCs) and EPCs are significantly decreased in the animals exposed to PM 2.5‐10 .…”