Title:Effect of Aging on Metabolic Pathways in Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Volume: 19
Issue: 13
Author(s): Francesca Felice, Maria Chiara Barsotti, Pavel Poredos, Alberto Balbarini and Rossella Di Stefano
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Aging, senescence, vascular disease, endothelial progenitor cells, metabolic pathways, repair mechanisms, vascular repair, endothelial regeneration, pathologies, therapeutic targets
Abstract: Age represents a significant risk factor for the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease, with the increase in life expectancy
in developed countries going in parallel with increased incidence of such pathologies. Treatment strategies alternative or additive to
pharmacological treatments are needed. The relationship between aging and progenitor cell-mediated repair is of great interest. Endothelial
progenitor cells (EPC) mediate repair mechanisms for endothelial regeneration and maintenance, but they are subject to ageassociated
changes affecting negatively their number and/or function.
Aim of this review is to examine the impact of age on EPC-mediated vascular repair, with a focus on the metabolic pathways involved
and on the therapeutic targets with potential for attenuating this effect.
