Endothelial Progenitor Cells Enter the Aging Arena

Abstract

Age is a significant risk factor for the development of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Although pharmacological treatments, including statins and anti-hypertensive drugs, have improved the prognosis for patients with cardiovascular disease, it remains a leading cause of mortality in those aged 65 years and over. Furthermore, given the increased life expectancy of the population in developed countries, there is a clear need for alternative treatment strategies. Consequently, the relationship between aging and progenitor cell-mediated repair is of great interest. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an integral role in the cellular repair mechanisms for endothelial regeneration and maintenance. However, EPCs are subject to age-associated changes that diminish their number in circulation and function, thereby enhancing vascular disease risk. A great deal of research is aimed at developing strategies to harness the regenerative capacity of these cells. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the cells termed “EPCs,” examine the impact of age on EPC-mediated repair and identify therapeutic targets with potential for attenuating the age-related decline in vascular health via beneficial actions on EPCs.

Endothelial progenitor cells: Are they displaying a function in autoimmune disorders?

“…medial degeneration and vascular remodeling associated with other CVDs. Early detection of cellular and molecular mechanisms related to such imbalance with potential therapeutic interventions, may reduce atherogenesis and subsequent cardiovascular events, and onset and progression of medial degeneration and vascular remodeling related of other agerelated CVDs (Williamson et al, 2012;Felice et al, 2013;Olivieri et al, 2013). Endogenous regeneration of the vessel wall involves a large panel of cells, such as EPCs and mature EC cells, which are capable to restore the endothelium in a concerted interaction.…”

Elevating CXCR7 Improves Angiogenic Function of EPCs via Akt/GSK-3β/Fyn-Mediated Nrf2 Activation in Diabetic Limb Ischemia

“…Following tissue ischemia or endothelial damage, EPCs are mobilized from the bone marrow to the circulation. EPCs then home to sites of vascular injury where they contribute to new blood vessel formation and recovery 3 . Recently, EPC transplantation has become an experimental therapy for ischemic disease 4 .…”

Aging in blood vessels. Medicinal agents FOR systemic arterial hypertension in the elderly

“…For this reason, understanding the basis of age-related impairment of angiogenesis and endothelial function has important implications for managing cardiovascular disease (Lähteenvuo and Rosenzweig, 2012). The impact of age on endothelial progenitor cell-mediated repair is also important and it would be necessary to identify therapeutic targets with potential for attenuating the age-related decline in vascular health via beneficial actions on endothelial progenitor cells (Williamson et al, 2012). There are also potential therapeutic strategies to improve mitochondrial function in aging and cardiovascular diseases with a focus on mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, calorie restriction and exercise training (Dai et al, 2012).…”

“…Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an integral role in the cellular repair mechanisms for endothelial regeneration and maintenance. However, EPCs are subject to age-associated changes that diminish their number in circulation and function, thereby enhancing vascular disease risk (Williamson et al, 2012).…”