Endothelial progenitor cells in the treatment of acute ischemic renal failure

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a heterogenous cell population capable of facilitating postischemic microvascular recovery. Exogenous administration of EPCs has been used as a therapeutic tool in ischemic cardiovascular disease. Recently, EPC mobilization has been documented to occur after acute renal ischemia. In this situation, the cells have been proven to act renoprotective. Further investigations will help to clarify which therapeutic conditions possibly optimize an EPC-based regimen for the treatment of acute ischemic renal failure.

Section editor:Michael S. Goligorsky – Renal Research Institute, Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA