Endothelial progenitor cells and vascular health: effects of lifestyle’s modifications

During the last years increasing evidence showed that bone marrow-derived cells with angiogenic capability, named endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), possess the capacity to home to sites of vascular injury, so contributing to the neoangiogenesis in vivo and to the maintenance of the homeostasis of vascular endothelium. Currently, potent triggers for the mobilisation of EPCs from bone-marrow are known. In addition to some pharmacological treatment such as statins, erythropoietin, PPAR-gamma agonists and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, the effects of healthy lifestyle, via mobilization and functional improvement of EPC, is increasingly recognized. In this review we analyze, the effects of lifestyle interventions on EPCs. In particular we will focus on physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation protocols, weight reduction, and smoking cessation. Moreover, the negative effects of depression, mood disturbances and type D-personality on EPCs are also considered.