Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
Placenta. 2024 Jan;145:80-88. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.006. Epub 2023 Dec 10.
Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a subset of circulating and resident endothelial progenitor cells, are capable of self-renewal and de novo vessel formation, and are known key regulators of vascular integrity and homeostasis. Numerous studies have found that exposure to hostile environment during the fetal development exerts a profound influence on the level and function of ECFCs, which may be the underlying factor linking endothelial dysfunction to cardiovascular disease of the offspring in later life. Herein, we focus on the latest findings regarding the effects of pregnancy-related disorders on the frequency and function of fetal ECFCs. Subsequently, we discuss about placental ECFCs and put forward some details that should be paid attention to in the process of ECFC isolation and culture. Overall, the information presented in this review highlight the potential of ECFCs as a future biomarker or even therapeutic targets for the pregnancy-related adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
内皮祖细胞（endothelial colony-forming cells，ECFCs）是循环和驻留内皮前体细胞的一个亚群，具有自我更新和新血管形成的能力，是血管完整性和内稳态的关键调节因子。许多研究发现，胎儿发育过程中暴露于恶劣环境会对 ECFCs 的水平和功能产生深远影响，这可能是将内皮功能障碍与后代生命后期心血管疾病联系起来的潜在因素。本文重点介绍了与妊娠相关疾病对胎儿 ECFCs 的频率和功能的影响的最新研究发现。随后，我们讨论了胎盘 ECFCs，并提出了在 ECFC 分离和培养过程中需要注意的一些细节。总之，本文综述所呈现的信息突出了 ECFCs 作为未来与妊娠相关的不良母婴结局的生物标志物甚至治疗靶点的潜力。
