Fig. (2). Oxidative stresses on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in cardiovascular diseases.

EPCs repair cardiovascular damage. Oxidative stress caused by dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension interferes with the ability of EPCs proliferation, differentiation, and mobilization in bone marrow. Oxidative stress also induces EPCs senescence. These negative effects of oxidative stress on EPCs number and function bring the equilibrium between cellular repair and injury out of balance, resulting in the progression of cardiovascular damages.