Endothelial progenitor cells and atherosclerosis

The integrity and functional activity of the endothelial monolayer play a crucial role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Extended endothelial cell damage by cardiovascular risk factors can result in endothelial cell apoptosis with loss of the integrity of the endothelium. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) originating from the bone marrow play a significant role in neovascularization of ischemic tissues and in re-endothelialization of...