内皮祖细胞的生物学特性研究进展

Biological characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells

内皮祖细胞在体内外能分化为成熟内皮细胞。目前,内皮祖细胞已被证实存在于成年人外周血,骨髓和人脐带血中。本综述总结了近年来内皮祖细胞的生物学研究进展,并讨论了其在心血管疾病中的潜在的治疗作用。

Endothelial progenitor cells（EPCs） ,as a subtype of progenitor cells, have the capacity to differentiate into mature endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Currently, EPCs have been identified in adult peripheral blood, bone marrow, and human umbilical cord blood. This review summarized recent advances in the characterization of EPCs,and discussed potential utility of EPCs in cardiovascular diseases.