Cigarette smoking depletes and impairs the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Smoking is associated with damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels (endothelial tissue)-EPCs can contribute to the regrowth of new endothelial tissue. Smoking is also associated with lowered CD133/KDR+. Stem-Kine increases both EPCs and CD133/KDR+.
Smoking cessation can lead to increased EPC levels; however, heavy smokers show less improvement in the EPC level than lighter smokers. This study looks at smoking’s association with depletion of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure in patients with coronary artery disease.
