Review
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World J Diabetes. Jun 15, 2011; 2(6): 92-97
Published online Jun 15, 2011. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v2.i6.92
Vascular dysfunction in diabetes: The endothelial progenitor cells as new therapeutic strategy
Adriana Georgescu
Adriana Georgescu, Petru Poni’ Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania; Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology ‘Nicolae Simionescu’ of Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
Author contributions: Georgescu A had the whole contribution at this paper.
Supported by CNCSIS –UEFISCSU, No.1159, PNII-IDEI code 1043/2008; CNMP project number 42138, PNII-Parteneriat code 3334/2008; European Social Fund-‘Cristofor I. Simionescu’ Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (ID POSDRU/89/1.5/S/55216), Sectoral Operational Programme Human Resources Development 2007–2013, Romanian Academy.
Correspondence to: Adriana Georgescu, PhD, Cellular Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology ‘Nicolae Simionescu’ of Romanian Academy, www.icbp.ro, 8, BP Hasdeu Street, PO Box 35-14, Bucharest 050568, Romania. adriana.georgescu@icbp.ro
Telephone: +40-21-319-4518 Fax: +40-21-319-4519
Received: February 14, 2011
Revised: May 28, 2011
Accepted: June 5, 2011
Published online: June 15, 2011
Abstract

The vascular endothelium is a critical determinant of diabetes-associated vascular complications, and improving endothelial function is an important target for therapy. Diabetes mellitus contributes to endothelial cell injury and dysfunction. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in maintaining endothelial function and might affect the progression of vascular disease. EPCs are essential to blood vessel formation, can differentiate into mature endothelial cells, and promote the repair of damaged endothelium. In diabetes, the circulating EPC count is low and their functionality is impaired. The mechanisms that underlie this reduced count and impaired functionality are poorly understood. Knowledge of the status of EPCs is critical for assessing the health of the vascular system, and interventions that increase the number of EPCs and restore their angiogenic activity in diabetes may prove to be particularly beneficial. The present review outlines current thinking on EPCs’ therapeutic potential in endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, as well as evidence-based perspectives regarding their use for vascular regenerative medicine.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Vascular dysfunction; Endothelial progenitor cells