A Review Into the Insights of the Role of Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Bone Biology

Abstract

In addition to its important transport functions, the skeletal system is involved in complex biological activities for the regulation of blood vessels. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), as stem cells of endothelial cells (ECs), possess an effective proliferative capacity and a powerful angiogenic capacity prior to their differentiation. They demonstrate synergistic effects to promote bone regeneration and vascularization more effectively by co-culturing with multiple cells. EPCs demonstrate a significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of various bone diseases by secreting a combination of growth factors, regulating cellular functions, and promoting bone regeneration. In this review, we retrospect the definition and properties of EPCs, their interaction with mesenchymal stem cells, ECs, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells in bone regeneration, vascularization, and immunity, summarizing their mechanism of action and contribution to bone biology. Additionally, we generalized their role and potential mechanisms in the treatment of various bone diseases, possibly indicating their clinical application.

Correlation between plasma aldosterone concentration and bone mineral density in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients: potential impact on osteoporosis and future fracture risk

“…Firstly, potassium contributes to the maintenance of calcium homeostasis, and potassium deprivation can lead to increased urinary calcium excretion, resulting in bone calcium loss ( 38 ). Secondly, potassium is implicated in bone regeneration, and restricted potassium channel activity may inhibit the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells, which have the function of stimulating osteoblast differentiation and bone formation ( 39 , 40 ). Additionally, bone mineral surfaces contain high levels of potassium, which is regulated by the bioactive periosteum to effectively separate minerals from the extracellular fluid.…”

Recent trends in bone tissue engineering: a review of materials, methods, and structures

“…MSCs have been shown to accelerate bone regeneration by enhancing angiogenesis, secreting growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and coordinating bone remodeling by differentiating into bone-forming cells [16,17]. In the processes of bone healing, a significant number of the cytokines such as G-CSF and SDF-1, growth factors such as VEGF-A and bFGF stimulate and reinforce endogenous MSC homing to damaged tissues [18]. In cases where cell content is insufficient for clinical treatment, exogenous MSCs transplants or administering specific cytokines, growth factors, and scaffolds (as well as their combinations) to recruit circulating endogenous stem cells into injury sites have been implemented to help optimize the healing process [19].…”

Vascularization Reconstruction Strategies in Craniofacial Bone Regeneration

“…Vascularization involves vasculogenesis or angiogenesis; both these approaches rely highly on the functions of ECs and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) [32][33][34][35]. The craniofacial bone defect region is in need of oxygen and nutrients, and secretes proangiogenic molecules.…”