Enhanced adhesive properties of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with SLE.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a population of bone marrow-derived cells present in the peripheral circulation, which possess the ability to migrate into areas where angioneogenesis is required and differentiate upon adhesion into mature endothelial cells. EPCs have reparative properties, are able to combat ischemia and have previously been shown to be decreased in level and function in inflammatory conditions. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-organ autoimmune inflammatory disorder associated with significantly increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.