The Use of Endothelial Progenitor Cells for the Regeneration of Musculoskeletal and Neural Tissues

Stem Cells International, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1960804 · Published: March 28, 2017

Simple Explanation

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are derived from bone marrow and blood and can turn into endothelial cells, which help create new blood vessels. They're being explored for repairing various tissues because of this ability. EPCs can be mobilized from bone marrow and move to injured tissue, aiding in the formation of new blood vessels and tissue repair. They can also turn into specific tissue cells and boost the production of growth factors. Clinical trials have used human peripheral blood CD34(+) cells, which contain EPCs, to help repair bone. This suggests that EPCs could be a useful treatment for injuries to musculoskeletal and neural tissues.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models and clinical trials

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
EPCs can be mobilized from bone marrow and recruited to injured tissue to contribute to neovascularization and tissue repair.
2
EPCs or stem cell populations containing EPCs promote neovascularization and tissue repair through their diﬀerentiation to endothelial cells or tissue-speciﬁc cells, the upregulation of growth factors, and the induction and activation of endogenous stem cells.
3
Human peripheral blood CD34(+) cells containing EPCs have been used in clinical trials of bone repair.

Research Summary

During the repair of musculoskeletal and neural tissues including the bone and spinal cord, EPCs are mobilized and recruited to the injured tissue and contribute to neovascularization and tissue repair. The exogenous administration of EPCs or a stem cell population containing EPCs enhances neovascularization and tissue repair. EPCs are a promising cell source for the treatment of musculoskeletal and neural tissue injury.

Practical Implications

Bone Regeneration

CD34(+) cells enhance neovascularization and improve fracture healing.

Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

CD133(+) cells enhance angiogenesis, reduce ﬁbrous scar formation, and improve skeletal muscle repair.

Spinal Cord Regeneration

CD133(+) cells contribute directly to neovascularization at the injury site.

Study Limitations

1
The direct contribution of transplanted EPCs by diﬀerentiation to neural cells is very small.
2
The CD34(+) population is rare in mononuclear cells derived from bone marrow or peripheral blood.
3
Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of EPC-mediated tissue repair.

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