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Stem Cells and Atherosclerosis

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Coronary Heart Disease

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Abstract

Many factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, including endothelial dysfunction. Research shows that certain types of circulating stem cells and progenitor cells may counteract the development of atherosclerosis following vessel injury and promote vascular health. Yet other studies indicate that these same cells may be involved in the disease’s progression. In this chapter, we sort through these findings and examine the limitations of research to date in order to better understand the role of endothelial progenitor cells and smooth muscle progenitor cells in atherosclerosis and plaque rupture.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Jay H. Traverse MD

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  1. Jay H. Traverse MD
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Correspondence to Jay H. Traverse MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Edgcumbe Place 6, St. Paul, 55116, Minnesota, USA

    Zeev Vlodaver

  2. University of Minnesota, Delaware Street S.E. 420, Minneapolis, 55455, Minnesota, USA

    Robert F. Wilson

  3. 4-112 Nils Hasselmo Hall, University of Minnesota, Church Street S.E. 312, Minneapolis, 55455, Minnesota, USA

    Daniel J. Garry

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Traverse, J.H. (2012). Stem Cells and Atherosclerosis. In: Vlodaver, Z., Wilson, R., Garry, D. (eds) Coronary Heart Disease. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1475-9_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1475-9_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-1474-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-1475-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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