Pro-angiogenic induction of myeloid cells for therapeutic angiogenesis can induce mitogen-activated protein kinase p38-dependent foam cell formation

These data suggest that hematopoietic cell preparations containing monocytes bear the risk of foam cell formation after pro-angiogenic induction. Instead, EPC and MSC may drive vascular regeneration without atherogenesis aggravation. A thorough understanding of cell biology is necessary to develop new strategies combining pro-angiogenic and anti-atherogenic effects during cell therapy.