Endothelial progenitor cells from aged subjects display decreased expression of sirtuin 1, angiogenic functions, and increased senescence.

Studies have demonstrated that aging is associated with a substantial decline in numbers and angiogenic activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In view of senescence being an important regulator of age-related cell survival and function, in the current study, we correlated EPCs numbers and functions with their senescence status and mechanisms in young and elderly subjects. Healthy young subjects (n = 30, below 60 y) and old subjects (n = 30, equal to or above 60 y) participated in the study.

Hepatic Progenitor Cells in Action: Liver Regeneration or Fibrosis?

Liver injury caused by drugs, viruses, and toxins that impede the proliferation of mature hepatocytes results in the activation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), which then participate in the restoration of the damaged liver tissue. HPCs are known to be bipotential cells, capable of forming both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes when regeneration by mature hepatocytes is plagued or impaired. Both clinical studies of liver disease and certain experimental animal models of liver injury conspicuously show the presence of activated HPC response and proliferation.