Cardiovascular research
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Cardiovascular research · Nov 2005
Erythropoietin promotes endothelial progenitor cell proliferative and adhesive properties in a PI 3-kinase-dependent manner.
Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) suffer considerable morbidity and mortality despite advances in therapy. Treatment with erythropoietin (Epo) has shown promise in CHF patients, yet its mechanisms of action remain elusive. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) contribute to postnatal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, and Epo was shown to promote EPC mobilization. We explored the effect of chronic treatment with Epo on the numbers and functional properties of EPC in CHF patients. ⋯ Chronic Epo treatment is associated with an increase in the adhesive and proliferative properties of circulating EPC in patients with CHF.