Beta-alanine promotes angiogenesis in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization mice models

AIM:To investigate the effect ofβ-alanine(BA)on laserinduced choroidal neovascularization(CNV)mice models.METHODS:Laser-induced CNV mice models were established,and BA was administrated for one week and two weeks in advance,separately.Furthermore,retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)-choroid flat mounts were separated,and immunohistochemical staining was performed.The laser-induced CNV lesion areas were measured and compared.In addition,liver and kidney morphologies were observed to identify potential hepatorenal toxicity.RESULTS:Enlarged CNV lesion areas were observed in the BA treated group.No significant differences were observed in the liver and kidney sections between groups.CONCLUSION:BA treatment increase CNV lesion areas,suggesting the detrimental effects of BA as a nutritional supplement in age-related macular degeneration(AMD)population.

Implantable Electrochemical Microsensors for In Vivo Monitoring of Animal Physiological Information

In vivo monitoring of animal physiological information plays a crucial role in promptly alerting humans to potential diseases in animals and aiding in the exploration of mechanisms underlying human diseases.Currently,implantable electrochemical microsensors have emerged as a prominent area of research.These microsensors not only fulfill the technical requirements for monitoring animal physiological information but also offer an ideal platform for integration.They have been extensively studied for their ability to monitor animal physiological information in a minimally invasive manner,characterized by their bloodless,painless features,and exceptional performance.The development of implantable electrochemical microsensors for in vivo monitoring of animal physiological information has witnessed significant scientific and technological advancements through dedicated efforts.This review commenced with a comprehensive discussion of the construction of microsensors,including the materials utilized and the methods employed for fabrication.Following this,we proceeded to explore the various implantation technologies employed for electrochemical microsensors.In addition,a comprehensive overview was provided of the various applications of implantable electrochemical microsensors,specifically in the monitoring of diseases and the investigation of disease mechanisms.Lastly,a concise conclusion was conducted on the recent advancements and significant obstacles pertaining to the practical implementation of implantable electrochemical microsensors.

Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress scoring system for predicting complications following abdominal surgery: A metaanalysis spanning 2004 to 2022

BACKGROUND Postoperative complications remain a paramount concern for surgeons and healthcare practitioners.AIM To present a comprehensive analysis of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress(E-PASS)scoring system’s efficacy in predicting postoperative complications following abdominal surgery.METHODS A systematic search of published studies was conducted,yielding 17 studies with pertinent data.Parameters such as preoperative risk score(PRS),surgical stress score(SSS),comprehensive risk score(CRS),postoperative complications,post-operative mortality,and other clinical data were collected for meta-analysis.Forest plots were employed for continuous and binary variables,withχ2 tests assessing heterogeneity(P value).RESULTS Patients experiencing complications after abdominal surgery exhibited significantly higher E-PASS scores compared to those without complications[mean difference and 95%confidence interval(CI)of PRS:0.10(0.05-0.15);SSS:0.04(0.001-0.08);CRS:0.19(0.07-0.31)].Following the exclusion of low-quality studies,results remained valid with no discernible heterogeneity.Subgroup analysis indicated that variations in sample size and age may contribute to hetero-geneity in CRS analysis.Binary variable meta-analysis demonstrated a correlation between high CRS and increased postoperative complication rates[odds ratio(OR)(95%CI):3.01(1.83-4.95)],with a significant association observed between high CRS and postoperative mortality[OR(95%CI):15.49(3.75-64.01)].CONCLUSION In summary,postoperative complications in abdominal surgery,as assessed by the E-PASS scoring system,are consistently linked to elevated PRS,SSS,and CRS scores.High CRS scores emerge as risk factors for heightened morbidity and mortality.This study establishes the accuracy of the E-PASS scoring system in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality in abdominal surgery,underscoring its potential for widespread adoption in effective risk assessment.

Seed Storability in Rice: Physiological Foundations, Molecular Mechanisms, and Applications in Breeding

Long-term storage of crop seeds is critical for the conservation of germplasm resources, ensuring food supply, and supporting sustainable production. Rice, as a major food staple, has a substantial stock for consumption and production worldwide. However, its food value and seed viability tend to decline during storage. Understanding the physiological responses and molecular mechanisms of aging tolerance forms the basis for enhancing seed storability in rice. This review outlines the latest progress in influential factors, evaluation methods, and identification indices of seed storability. It also discusses the physiological consequences, molecular mechanisms, and strategies for breeding aging-tolerant rice in detail. Finally, it highlights challenges in seed storability research that require future attention. This review offers a theoretical foundation and research direction for uncovering the mechanisms behind seed storability and breeding aging-tolerant rice.

Advances in Wireless,Batteryless,Implantable Electronics for Real‑Time,Continuous Physiological Monitoring

This review summarizes recent progress in developing wireless,batteryless,fully implantable biomedical devices for real-time continuous physiological signal monitoring,focusing on advancing human health care.Design considerations,such as biological constraints,energy sourcing,and wireless communication,are discussed in achieving the desired performance of the devices and enhanced interface with human tissues.In addition,we review the recent achievements in materials used for developing implantable systems,emphasizing their importance in achieving multi-functionalities,biocompatibility,and hemocompatibility.The wireless,batteryless devices offer minimally invasive device insertion to the body,enabling portable health monitoring and advanced disease diagnosis.Lastly,we summarize the most recent practical applications of advanced implantable devices for human health care,highlighting their potential for immediate commercialization and clinical uses.

Artificial intelligence in physiological characteristics recognition for internet of things authentication

Effective user authentication is key to ensuring equipment security,data privacy,and personalized services in Internet of Things(IoT)systems.However,conventional mode-based authentication methods(e.g.,passwords and smart cards)may be vulnerable to a broad range of attacks(e.g.,eavesdropping and side-channel attacks).Hence,there have been attempts to design biometric-based authentication solutions,which rely on physiological and behavioral characteristics.Behavioral characteristics need continuous monitoring and specific environmental settings,which can be challenging to implement in practice.However,we can also leverage Artificial Intelligence(AI)in the extraction and classification of physiological characteristics from IoT devices processing to facilitate authentication.Thus,we review the literature on the use of AI in physiological characteristics recognition pub-lished after 2015.We use the three-layer architecture of the IoT(i.e.,sensing layer,feature layer,and algorithm layer)to guide the discussion of existing approaches and their limitations.We also identify a number of future research opportunities,which will hopefully guide the design of next generation solutions.

Exogenous calcium enhances the physiological status and photosynthetic capacity of rose under drought stress

Drought(water shortage)can substantially limit the yield and economic value of rose plants(Rosa spp.).Here,we characterized the effect of exogenous calcium(Ca^(2+))on the antioxidant system and photosynthesis-related properties of rose under polyethylene glycol 6000(PEG6000)-induced drought stress.Chlorophyll levels,as well as leaf and root biomass,were significantly reduced by drought;drought also had a major effect on the enzymatic antioxidant system and increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species.Application of exogenous Ca^(2+)increased the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of leaves,enhanced water-use efficiency,and increased the length and width of stomata following exposure to drought.Organ-specific physiological responses were observed under different concentrations of Ca^(2+).Application of 5 mmol·L^(-1)Ca^(2+)promoted photosynthesis and antioxidant activity in the leaves,and application of 10 mmol·L^(-1)Ca^(2+)promoted antioxidant activity in the roots.Application of exogenous Ca^(2+)greatly enhanced the phenotype and photosynthetic capacity of potted rose plants following exposure to drought stress.Overall,our findings indicate that the application of exogenous Ca^(2+)enhances the drought resistance of roses by promoting physiological adaptation and that it could be used to aid the cultivation of rose plants.

Effects of Light Quality on Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Neopyropia yezoensis Free Living Conchocelis

[Objectives]To study the differences of growth rate,morphology,ultrastructure,pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity of free-living conchocelis of cultivated type of Neopyropia yezoensis under different light qualities(white,red,blue,and green light).[Methods]The study was carried out through light quality design and culture,growth rate determination,microstructure and ultrastructure observation,chlorophyll a content and carotenoid content determination,phycobiliprotein content determination,malondialdehyde(MDA)content determination,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity determination.[Results]After 21 d of culture,the specific growth rate(SGR)and chlorophyll a content of free-living conchocelis of N.yezoensis were significantly increased by white light(WL),followed by red light(RL)and green light(GL),and they were the lowest under blue light(BL).Compared with the WL group,the BL group had the highest content of phycoerythrin(PE),and the RL and GL groups had the highest content of phycocyanin(PC).The algal body of WL group was normal black brown,and the cell wall was the thickest.In RL and GL groups,the algal bodies were green,and their diameters and cell wall thicknesses were similar to those in WL group.In BL group,the algal body was bright red,the diameter was the smallest,the cell wall was the thinnest,and the ultrastructure showed that the number of plastoglobulus on the thylakoid was the largest.After BL irradiation,the highest MDA content and the lowest SOD activity were observed.The results revealed that WL is the most beneficial to the growth of free-living conchocelis,followed by RL and GL,while BL has adverse effects.[Conclusions]This study explored the most suitable light quality conditions for the propagation of free-living conchocelis.It is expected to provide germplasm guarantee for the production and seedling of N.yezoensis.

Semi-implantable device based on multiplexed microfilament electrode cluster for continuous monitoring of physiological ions

Modern medicine is increasingly interested in advanced sensors to detect and analyze biochemical indicators.Ion sensors based on potentiometric methods are a promising platform for monitoring physiological ions in biological subjects.Current semi-implantable devices are mainly based on single-parameter detection.Miniaturized semi-implantable electrodes for multiparameter sensing have more restrictions on the electrode size due to biocompatibility considerations,but reducing the electrode surface area could potentially limit electrode sensitivity.This study developed a semi-implantable device system comprising a multiplexed microfilament electrode cluster(MMEC)and a printed circuit board for real-time monitoring of intra-tissue K^(+),Ca^(2+),and Na^(+)concentrations.The electrode surface area was less important for the potentiometric sensing mechanism,suggesting the feasibility of using a tiny fiber-like electrode for potentiometric sensing.The MMEC device exhibited a broad linear response(K^(+):2–32 mmol/L;Ca^(2+):0.5–4 mmol/L;Na^(+):10–160 mmol/L),high sensitivity(about 20–45 mV/decade),temporal stability(>2weeks),and good selectivity(>80%)for the above ions.In vitro detection and in vivo subcutaneous and brain experiment results showed that the MMEC system exhibits good multi-ion monitoring performance in several complex environments.This work provides a platform for the continuous real-time monitoring of ion fluctuations in different situations and has implications for developing smart sensors to monitor human health.

Effect of Purple Yam(Dioscorea alata L.) on Nutritional and Physiological Functions of Growing Rats

[Objective] This study was to explore the effect of purple yam on the nutritional and physiological functions of rats.[Method] Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups with ten rats in each group which were reared with artificial semisynthetic feed added with 10% steamed yam powder.The four groups,the casein（CK） group which was used as the control,the purple yam（PY） group,the Tiegun yam（TY） group and common Huai yam（HY） group,were supplied with feed of equal content of energy,protein and fat.The rats were pair-fed for 56 days to observe changes of relevant nutritional and physiological indices.[Result] There were no significant differences of body weight,food conversion rate and organ indices between rats in PY group and CK group.Mean corpuscular hemoglobin in PY group was significantly lower than that in CK group;hemoglobin showed no significant difference with that in CK group;eosnophils was lower than that in CK group.Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,total cholesterol and atherogenic index in PY group were lower than that in the other three groups;anti-atherogenic index was the highest among the four groups,while showing no significant difference;triglyceride content was lower than that in CK group.Among the antioxidant indices,the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase were higher than that in CK group,while malondialdehyde content was lower than that in CK group.[Conclusion] Purple yam showed the trend of reducing the content of blood glucose,total cholesterol,low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,triglyceride,malondialdehyde,and raising the activity of glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase and catalase,thus having certain antioxidative function.

A review on vasohibin and ocular neovascularization

Ischemic and neovascular disease is one of the most difficult ocular diseases to deal with nowadays.Redundancy,poor visual acuity and decreased life quality are bothering patients and ophthalmologists for decades.After vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)was found to be a primary factor in promoting retinal angiogenesis,intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs has been the firstline treatment.Whereas,some patients are refractory to this therapy and problems of economic burden,local complications and adverse effects promote researches into other possible targets.The vasohibin(VASH)family is a newly-investigated factor in modulating ocular angiogenesis.The family includes VASH1 and VASH2,which show opposite effects of inhibiting and accelerating angiogenesis respectively.Positive results have been reported in cellular and animal experiments.With further researches,it can be a promising future target of treating ocular neovascular diseases.

Effects of Soaking Cultivated Rice Seeds with Fulvic Acid on Physiological and Ecological Properties of Weedy Rice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of soaking cultivated rice seeds with fulvic acid （FA） on physiological and ecological properties of weedy rice in the direct seeding cultivated rice field. [Method] Weedy rice JS-Y1 and culti-vated rice Nanjing 44 were used as experimental materials for field plot trials to an-alyze the effects of soaking cultivated rice seeds with 0 （water as control）, 4, 6, 8 g/L FA on til ering dynamics, plant height, chlorophyl content, photosynthetic perfor-mance, gas exchange parameters and yield components of weedy rice at different growth stages. [Result] Among the 4 plants/m2 weedy rice plots, with the increase of FA concentration, til er number, plant height, chlorophyl content, net photosynthetic rate （Pn）, stomatal conductance （Gs） and transpiration rate （Tr） of weedy rice were reduced. Under the 4-6 g/L FA concentration, til er numbers of weedy rice at differ-ent growth stages were reduced by 13.84%-35.71% compared with control at the same density and the most significant reduction was on the 22nd d after weedy rice germination; chlorophyl contents of weedy rice at the jointing stage were significant-ly reduced by 7.90%-8.88%. Furthermore, in the plots with 4 g/L FA, weedy rice plant heights at the heading stage and grain fil ing stage were significantly reduced by 6.37%-9.10%; Pn, Gs and Tr of weedy rice at the jointing stage and grain fil ing stage were significantly reduced by 10.19%-16.05%, 12.57%-23.33% and 10.28%-19.76%, respectively; 1 000-grain weight, effective panicle number per plant and panicles weight per plant of weedy rice at the maturity stage were significantly re-duced by 3.19%, 21.21% and 27.27%, correspondingly. [Conclusion] In 4 plants/m2 weedy rice plots, because soaking cultivated rice seeds with 4 g/L FA could regu-late the growth and development of cultivated rice, the soaking with FA could change the ecological relationship between cultivated rice and weedy rice, affect weedy rice physiological and ecological properties and al eviate the competitive inhi-bition of weedy rice on cultivated rice.

Influences of Different UV-B Radiation Treatments in Short Time on Some Physiological Characteristics of Winter Wheat Seedlings

[Objective] studying the influences of different UV-B radiation treatments in short time on some physiological characteristics of winter wheat seedlings was to provide reference for the mechanism of plant response to ultraviolet irradiation in short time. [Method] The winter wheat taken as materials were treated with 15 and 30 pW/cm^2 UV-B radiation, then the physiological indexes such as pigment content and photosynthetic rate were determined. [ Results] The UV-B treatment caused the declines of chlorophyll content, soluble protein content and water content of leaves, besides, dose-effect was existed. The decline of 30 pW/cm^2 treatment was bigger than that of 15 μW/cm^2 treatment. The influences of UV-B radiation on carotenoid content and anthocyanidin content were similar; the change trends were declined firstly then increased. The UVB treatment with two doses restrained the electron transport of PSⅡ, particularly; the inhibitory effect was biggest after treated 2 h, and then this effect was declined in 4, 6 and 8 h, so the dose-effect was existed. The UV-B radiation with two doses restricted photosynthetic rate and the inhibitory effect increased with the increase of treatment time. The high dose treatment caused huge damage to membrane system, while the result of low dose treatment was not obvious. [ Conclusion] UV-B radiation treatment had dose-effect on winter wheat seedlings in short time and the influence of high dose was bigger than that of low dose. With the increase of treatment time, the damage was alleviated; besides, the result was not similar to that of UV-B radiation in long time.

Assessment of neovascularization within carotid plaques in patients with ischemic stroke

AIM:To assess neovascularization within human ca-rotid atherosclerotic soft plaques in patients with isch-emic stroke.METHODS:Eighty-one patients with ischemic stroke and 95 patients without stroke who had soft athero-sclerotic plaques in the internal carotid artery were studied.The thickest soft plaque in each patient was examined using contrast-enhanced ultrasound.Time-intensity curves were collected from 5 s to 3 min after contrast injection.The neovascularization within the plaques in the internal carotid artery was evaluated using the ACQ software built into the scanner by 2 of the experienced investigators who were blinded to the clinical history of the patients.RESULTS:Ischemic stroke was present in 7 of 33 patients(21%) with grade Ⅰ plaque,in 14 of 51 pa-tients(28%) with grade Ⅱ plaque,in 26 of 43 patients(61%) with grade Ⅲ plaque,and in 34 of 49 patients(69%) with grade Ⅳ plaque(P < 0.001 comparing grade Ⅳ plaque with grade I plaque and with grade Ⅱ plaque and P = 0.001 comparing grade Ⅲ plaque with grade Ⅰ plaque and with grade Ⅱ plaque).Analysis of the time intensity curves revealed that patients with ischemic stroke had a significantly higher intensity of enhancement(IE) than those without ischemic stroke(P < 0.01).The wash-in time(WT) of plaque was signifi-cantly shorter in stroke patients(P < 0.05).The sensi-tivity and specificity for IE in the plaque were 82% and 80%,respectively,and for WT were 68% and 74%,respectively.There was no significant difference in the peak intensity or time to peak between the 2 groups.CONCLUSION:This study shows that the higher the grade of plaque enhancement,the higher the risk of ischemic stroke.The data suggest that the presence of neovascularization is a marker for unstable plaque.

Influence of Water Stress on the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi

Previous studies have shown that water stress can stimulate biosynthesis of secondary metabolites,and physiological and biochemical characteristics of plant can play a key role in its defense responses to water stress.So the physiological and biochemical characteristics of potted Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi plants were investigated under continuous water stress condition.The results showed that the water content in roots,stems and leaves,together with chlorophyll content of the leaves decreased as the water stress strengthened.Simultaneously,the specific leaf weight increased,and the content of proline and soluble sugar in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi leaves increased significantly.The changing trends of the baicalin content in the roots,stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi were different.It increased continuously in roots,while ascended constantly in the stems and leaves during the early days under the water stress,but decreased sharply under the heavy stress.In conclusion,proline and soluble sugar had a close correlation with the drought resistance of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.Moderate drought is in favor of synthesizing the secondary metabolites.

Risk factors associated with retinal neovascularization of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM: To evaluate the risk factors associated with retinal neovascularization of diabetic retinopathy in northern Chinese Han patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: The clinical characteristics of 200 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 100 age-matched healthy individuals were compared. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed in the patients with PDR. RESULTS: Fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count, hematocrit (HCT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were all significantly higher in patients with PDR than in the control group (P<0.05). The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors independently associated with retinal neovascularization of DR were duration of diabetes mellitus (OR=1.112; P=0.000), BUN (OR=1.277; P=0.000), smoking (OR=3.967; P=0.000) and MPV (OR=2.472; P=0.000). On the other hand, panretinal photocoagulation was associated with reduced risk of retinal neovascularization (OR=0.983; P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Preventing and controlling T2DM in terms of risk factors, including duration of diabetes, BUN, smoking and MPV, might offer novel approaches to prevent or delay the onset of retinal neovascularization in patients with PDR.

Effects of Low Temperature Stress on Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Podocarpus nagi

[Objective] The paper was to study the effect of low temperature stress on physiological and biochemical characteristics of Podocarpus nagi. [Method] Through the determination of physiological indices such as plasma membrane permeability, free proline content, soluble sugar content, malondialdehyde （MDA） content and chlorophyll content, the change law of these indices of P. nagi seedlings under natural conditions and artificially controlled low temperature conditions within the continuous 5 d was studied. [Result] The soluble sugar content, free proline content, MDA content and plasma membrane permeability of P. nagi seedlings were slightly in- creased compared with control; the chlorophyll content gradually decreased with the prolongation of low temperature stress. P. nagi seedlings produced active response to low temperature stress, so the low temperature injury P. nagi seedlings suffered was reduced. [Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for winter management in P. nagi cultivation in Hanjiang plain area.

Comparison of subconjunctivally injected bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and pegaptanib for inhibition of corneal neovascularization in a rat model

AIM: To compare the efficacies of subconjunctival bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and pegaptanib sodium injections for the inhibition of corneal neovascularization in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Sixteen corneas of 16 rats were chemically cauterized and randomized into four groups: bevacizumab group that treated with 0.05mL/1.25mg bevacizumab, ranibizumab group that treated with 0.05mL/0.5mg ranibizumab, pegaptanib group that treated with 0.05mL/0.15mg pegaptanib sodium, and control group that treated with 0.05mL saline solution. Digital photographs of the corneas were taken and analyzed using an image analysis software program. All corneas were excised and examined histologically on the 15 th day. RESULTS: Each treatment group had significantly less neovascularized corneal areas and fewer blood vessels than the control group (all P 【0.05). In addition, bevacizumab group had significantly less neovascu-larized corneal areas and fewer blood vessels than ranibizumab and pegaptanib groups (both P 【0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the ranibizumab and pegaptanib groups regarding percentage of neovascularized corneal areas and number of blood vessels (both P 】0.05). CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival bevacizumab, ranibiz-umab, and pegaptanib sodium were effective with no corneal epitheliopathy for inhibiting corneal neovascularization after corneal burn in rats .Bevacizumab was more effective than ranibizumab and pegaptanib sodium.

Impact of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide and Danshensu on vascular endothelial growth factor in the process of retinal neovascularization of rabbit

AIM:To discuss the impact of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP) and Danshensu purified from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of rabbits with retinal neovascularization. METHODS:Forty rabbits were divided into normal control group, model control group, LBP group and Danshensu group. Animals in the normal control group were fed in the normal oxygen environment. Animals in the other three groups were put into the environment with 70% oxygen for 5 days in order to build the model of oxygen-induced vascular proliferation retinopathy. And then different TCM extract was injected into the abdominal cavities of these annimals. After 7 days, the VEGF content of in the serum of rabbit was measured by double antibody sandwich method. RESULTS:Data analysis indicated that VEGF content was as follows:Danshensu group was lower than model control group (12.92 ±3.84ng/L vs 19.32 ±4.15ng/L, P 【 0.05); LBP group and normal control group were lower than model control group (12.92±3.84ng/L, 9.26±1.61ng/L vs 19.32±4.15ng/L, P【0.01); total blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, cholesterol content, fibrinogen content and triacylglycerol content after peritoneal injection of LBP and Danshensu were obviously lower than before injection. CONCLUSION:TCM extract-LBP and Danshensu can prominently reduce the content of VEGF in the process of vascular proliferative retinopathy of rabbit; can prevent the occurrence of retinal microvascular disease by improving partial oxygen -deficient environment or affecting all kinds of new growth factor.

Growth factor- and cytokine-stimulated endothelial progenitor cells in post-ischemic cerebral neovascularization

Endothelial progenitor cells are resident in the bone marrow blood sinusoids and circulate in the peripheral circulation. They mobilize from the bone marrow after vascular injury and home to the site of injury where they differentiate into endothelial cells. Activation and mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow is induced via the production and release of endothelial progenitor cell-activating factors and includes specific growth factors and cytokines in response to peripheral tissue hypoxia such as after acute ischemic stroke or trauma. Endotheli- al progenitor cells migrate and home to specific sites following ischemic stroke via growth factor/ cytokine gradients. Some growth factors are less stable under acidic conditions of tissue isch- emia, and synthetic analogues that are stable at low pH may provide a more effective therapeutic approach for inducing endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and promoting cerebral neovascularization following ischemic stroke.