Endothelial progenitor cells: the promise of cell-based therapies for acute lung injury

Abstract

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are defined as a special type of stem cell that have been found to directly incorporate into injured vessels and that participate in angiogenesis and reconstruction by differentiation into endothelial cells. EPCs are widely used to therapeutically treat cardiovascular disease, limb ischemia and vascular repair. However, the role of EPCs in inflammatory diseases, especially in lung injury, is less studied.

Objective: To investigate the application of EPCs to vascular repair, and the role of EPCs in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: A computer-based online search was performed in the PubMed database and Web of Science database for articles published, concerning EPCs, angiogenesis, ALI/ARDS and stem cell transplantation

Conclusion: EPCs have a therapeutic potential for vascular regeneration and may emerge as novel strategy for the diseases that are associated with ALI/ARDS.