Reply to: “Endothelial progenitor cell release is usually considered a beneficial effect: Problems in interpreting the acute effects of e-cigarette use”

Vascular injury has long been known to be the main cause for mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) [1 –3]. It has been proven that the strongest factor mobilizing EPCs is hypoxia in the vascular wall, causing the release of vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGF-2) and stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1) [1–3]. These two factors bind to receptors on EPCs, initiating mobilization and homing to t he site of lesion. Therefore, it is not surprising that in cases of obvious vascular damage, such as in myocardial infarction or stroke, EPCs are highly elevated [1–3].

Source: Atherosclerosis - January 19, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lukasz Antoniewicz, Anna Kiessling, Fariborz Mobarrez, Magnus Lundb äck Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research