Nouvelles stratégies thérapeutiques : les cellules souches. Progéniteurs endothéliaux circulants et Réanimation

One of the most important breakthroughs in the field of vascular biology in the last decade was the discovery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). These angiogenic cells are bone marrow residents, and mobilize to the general circulation spontaneously and in response to various stimuli such as ischemia, growth factor, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and drugs such as statins. Evidence is accumulating that EPCs can differentiate into mature endothelial cells and facilitate endothelial repair and angiogenesis in vivo. In recent years, consistent publications have shown that EPCs provide both diagnostic and prognostic informations with respect to cardiovascular diseases, acute lung injury and sepsis. Mobilization of the EPCs from the bonne marrow or injection of these cells may be used as therapeutic option for the treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular diseases.