| Abstract: | Endothelial dysfunction and cell loss lead to atherosclerosis and its outcomes. Several recent studies suggested that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a key role in reendothelialization of injured vessels and in endogenous neovascularization of ischemic tissues. Modulation of EPCs number and functional activity or EPCs transplantation are a promising outlook for treatment of cardiovascular disease. In the present review, assessment of endothelial function, mechanisms of its impairment and role of EPCs in their correction are elucidated. |
