Circulating endothelial cell physiology & pathophysiology in coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome

Summary of CEC, EPC and endothelial microparticle physiology and pathology, including mechanisms of release, and mechanisms by which cellular components contribute to local vascular thrombosis.

Phases:
* Maintenance of vasculature
* Endothelial cell desquamation
* Promotion of thrombosis and hemostasis

Abstract
Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) have been put forward as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes. This review entails current insights into the physiology and pathobiology of CEC, including their relationship with circulating endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial microparticles. Additionally, we present a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and prognostic value of CEC quantification, as well as possibilities for improvement, for example by inclusion of CEC morphology, transcriptomics, and proteomics. The current stand of knowledge calls out for improved counting methods and consensus on a validated cell definition. Finally, our review accentuates the importance of large, well-designed population-based prospective studies that will have to show the clinical value of CEC as cardiovascular biomarker.

Circulating endothelial cells in coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome. David E. Schmidt, Marco Manca, Imo E. Hoefer. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine (2015).

DOI to publisher PDF http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tcm.2015.01.013

Full manuscript pre-print available from http://schmidtdav.de/research