Endothelial progenitor cells: exploring the pleiotropic effects of statins

Mamas

doi:10.4330/wjc.v9.i1.1

Endothelial progenitor cells: exploring the pleiotropic effects of statins

Mamas

Authors

Mamas Mamas m.mamas@keele.ac.uk

Abstract

Statins have become a cornerstone of risk modification for ischaemic heart disease patients. A number of studies have shown that they are effective and safe. However studies have observed an early benefit in terms of a reduction in recurrent infarct and or death after a myocardial infarction, prior to any significant change in lipid profile. Therefore, pleiotropic mechanisms, other than lowering lipid profile alone, must account for this effect. One such proposed pleiotropic mechanism is the ability of statins to augment both number and function of endothelial progenitor cells. The ability to augment repair and maintenance of a functioning endothelium may have profound beneficial effect on vascular repair and potentially a positive impact on clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. The following literature review will discuss issues surrounding endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) identification, role in vascular repair, factors affecting EPC numbers, the role of statins in current medical practice and their effects on EPC number.

Acceptance Date	Nov 1, 2016
Publication Date	Jan 26, 2017
Journal	World Journal of Cardiology
Print ISSN	1949-8462
Publisher	Baishideng Publishing Group
Pages	1-13
DOI	https://doi.org/10.4330/wjc.v9.i1.1
Keywords	statins, endothelial progenitor cells, pleiotropic effects, ischaemic heart disease, pleiotropic mechanisms
Publisher URL	http://dx.doi.org/10.4330/wjc.v9.i1.1