BACKGROUND Emerging evidence has suggested a contribution of bone marrow (BM) cells to lymphatic vessel formation; however, the exact phenotype of the cells with lymphatic endothelial progenitor cell function has yet to be identified. Here, we investigate the identity of BM-derived lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells and their role in lymphatic neovascularization. METHODS AND RESULTS Cultu...

There is still controversy regarding the role of circulating endothelial and progenitor cells (CECs/CEPs) in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Using a sequential Boolean gating strategy based on a 4-color flow cytometric protocol, an increased number of CD31(pos)/CD184(pos)(CXCR4)/CD34(pos)/CD45(pos) and CD31(pos)/CD117(pos) (c-kit-R) /CD34(pos)/ CD45(pos) hematopoietic circulating ...

BACKGROUND In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), decreased progenitor cells and impairment of systemic vascular function have been suggested to confer higher cardiovascular risk. The origin of these changes and their relationship with alterations in the pulmonary circulation are unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether changes in the number of circulating hematopoietic progenitor...

Endothelial progenitor cells are cells derived from the bone marrow that circulate in the bloodstream and can exhibit phenotypic characteristics of endothelial cells. They are thought to be involved in postnatal vasculogenesis and to potentially help repair injured endothelium. Circulating endothelial cells are mature endothelial cells in the circulation, and endothelial vesicles or micropartic...