Table 1 Effects of cardiovascular risk factors on EPC number and function

Hypercholesterolemia

Reduced EPC number, impaired EPC migratory capacity

Circulating EPCs (CD133, 34, 45)

CFU-ECs

[9, 23]

Diabetes Mellitus

Reduced EPC number, impaired EPC migratory capacity

Circulating EPCs (CD31, 34, KDR)

CFU-ECs

[26, 27, 29, 30]

Hypertension

Inverse relationship of EPC number with systolic blood pressure

Circulating EPCs (CD133, 34, KDR)

[9, 34]

Smoking

Affects EPC number in a dose-dependent manner

Circulating EPCs (CD133, 34, KDR)

CFU-ECs

[35, 36]

Ageing

Reduced migration and proliferation

Circulating EPCs (CD133, 34, 45)

CFU-ECs

[10–14, 113]

Exercise

Increased EPC number and function

Circulating EPCs (CD133, 34, 45)

CFU-ECs

[15, 17–20]