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Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Their Clinical Applications as Potential Disease Biomarkers and Therapeutic Agents: Evidence and Controversies Regarding Their Effectiveness

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Endothelial Progenitor Cells

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Abstract

The discovery and progress in the field of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are leading numerous researchers to discuss applying them as potential predictive, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of age-related diseases in order to improve the prevention, management and outcome of such diseases. However, growing evidence suggests changes in the number and functions of EPCs significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and the associated complications. In addition, EPCs have been suggested as therapeutic agents for many of these diseases. Certainly, many aspects remain to be clarified, and controversies must be verified and eliminated. As a result, the road is still hard and long, but the advances obtained may offer us greater and unique opportunities to meet the considerable challenge of age-related diseases.

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  1. Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

    Carmela Rita Balistreri

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Balistreri, C.R. (2017). Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Their Clinical Applications as Potential Disease Biomarkers and Therapeutic Agents: Evidence and Controversies Regarding Their Effectiveness. In: Endothelial Progenitor Cells. UNIPA Springer Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55107-4_2

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