Endothelial progenitor cells in arthritis-associated vasculogenesis and atherosclerosis.

Vasculogenesis is the generation of vessels from endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Attenuated numbers and function of EPCs associated with defective vasculogenesis are present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), scleroderma and other autoimmune-inflammatory diseases, which have significant relevance for increased cardio- and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality in arthritis [–5]. Stimulation of EPCs and vasculogenesis may be beneficial to prevent and manage atherosclerosis related to arthritis. [–5].