on May 1, 2008
Published online before print May 1, 2008, doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.107.507251
Submitted on October 16, 2007
From the Departments of Neurology (R.P.W.R., R.J.v.O., J.L.) and Division of Internal Medicine, Clinical and Experimental Immunology (J.D., J.W.C.T.), University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: R.Rouhl{at}neurologie.azm.nl.
Background and Purpose—Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the Western world; however, few therapies are at hand to decrease this burden. Summary of Review—Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been introduced in cardiovascular medicine as factotums. EPCs can repair damaged endothelium and attenuate the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Also, EPCs can form new vessels in ischemic areas and thus promote recovery after ischemic events. In stroke, however, EPC research is limited. In our overview, we provide background information on EPC use as a risk marker and as a potential therapeutic agent. Conclusion—In our opinion, the lack of EPC studies in stroke should instigate vascular neurologists to participate in EPC research, as EPCs could also change pathophysiological concepts and improve clinical treatments in vascular neurology.
Revised on November 30, 2007
Accepted on December 13, 2007
Endothelial Progenitor Cell Research in Stroke. A Potential Shift in Pathophysiological and Therapeutical Concepts
Rob P.W. Rouhl MD*;
Key words: angiogenesis • atherosclerosis • cerebral infarct • endothelium • endothelial progenitor cells