Bone marrow–derived cells and arterial disease

This article reviews the association between bone and artery disease, with particular relevance to progenitor cells. The review was based on insight gained by analysis of previous publications and on-going work by the authors. A large number of studies have demonstrated a correlation between bone pathology, particularly osteoporosis, and atherosclerosis. In this review we highlight the particular aspect of bone marrow progenitor cells in the bone-artery link. Progenitor cells, primarily those believed to give rise to endothelial cells, have been inversely correlated with atherosclerosis severity and risk factors. Therapeutic approaches aimed at manipulating progenitor cells in revascularization and vascular repair have demonstrated some promising results. Subtypes of progenitor cells have also been linked with vascular pathology, however, and further studies are required to assess relative beneficial and pathologic effects of bone marrow–derived progenitors. Further understanding of the link between bone and artery pathophysiology is likely to be of significant value in developing new therapies for vascular disease.