Department of Physiology in Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Zolnierska 48, 70-210 Szczecin, Poland.
Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 31;25(11):6085. doi: 10.3390/ijms25116085.
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are circulating cells of various origins that possess the capacity for renewing and regenerating the endothelial lining of blood vessels. During physical activity, in response to factors such as hypoxia, changes in osmotic pressure, and mechanical forces, endothelial cells undergo intense physiological stress that results in endothelial damage. Circulating EPCs participate in blood vessel repair and vascular healing mainly through paracrine signalling. Furthermore, physical activity may play an important role in mobilising this important cell population. In this narrative review, we summarise the current knowledge on the biology of EPCs, including their characteristics, assessment, and mobilisation in response to both chronic and acute physical activity in healthy individuals.
内皮祖细胞（EPCs）是各种来源的循环细胞，具有更新和再生血管内皮衬里的能力。在体力活动中，内皮细胞会受到缺氧、渗透压变化和机械力等因素的影响，从而产生强烈的生理应激，导致内皮损伤。循环中的 EPC 主要通过旁分泌信号参与血管修复和血管愈合。此外，体力活动可能在动员这一重要细胞群方面发挥重要作用。在这篇叙述性综述中，我们总结了目前关于 EPC 生物学的知识，包括其特征、评估以及在健康个体中对慢性和急性体力活动的反应。
