Role of endothelial progenitor cells in diabetic vasculopathy and intervened therapy

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are circulating immature cells that contribute to vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis.It has been shown that reduction or dysfunction of EPCs may have a causative role in the development and progression of diabetic vasculopathy.Studies on the transplantation of mononuclear cell,mobilization of endogenous EPCs,and gene-modification of could provide new ideas for treating diabetic vasculopathy.This review focuses on the characteristics of EPCs,the relation between EPCs and diabetic vasculopathy,and future therapeutical implications.