Circulating endothelial progenitor cells and clinical outcome in patients with congestive heart failure.

Background: Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are increased in conditions associated with ischaemia and can potentially support angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. EPC levels were also shown to predict outcome in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease. We tested the hypothesis that circulating EPC can predict outcome in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Erythropoietin promotes endothelial progenitor cell proliferative and adhesive properties in a PI 3-kinase-dependent manner.

Objectives: Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) suffer considerable morbidity and mortality despite advances in therapy. Treatment with erythropoietin (Epo) has shown promise in CHF patients, yet its mechanisms of action remain elusive. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) contribute to postnatal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, and Epo was shown to promote EPC mobilization.

The involvement of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in atherosclerosis.

Objectives: Herein, we determined the significance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Background: Inflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand/APO-2L, a member of the TNF superfamily, has a role in apoptosis induction and is recognized for its immunomodulatory properties.

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with unstable angina: association with systemic inflammation.

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are present in peripheral blood and can develop a functional endothelial phenotype. The number and function of circulating EPCs are altered in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and after myocardial infarction and EPCs have been shown to promote postnatal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. We investigated the number and adhesive properties of EPCs from patients with unstable angina and no evidence of cardiac necrosis.

Number and adhesive properties of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with in-stent restenosis.

Objective: Intact endothelialization machinery is essential to facilitate vessel healing after stent placement and to prevent restenosis. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) have been demonstrated in the peripheral blood and shown to display endothelial functional properties, along with the ability to traffic to damaged vasculature. We reasoned that robust in-stent intimal growth could be partially related to impaired endothelialization resulting from reduced circulating EPC number or function.