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Assessment of Endothelial Damage/Dysfunction: A Focus on Circulating Endothelial Cells

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Vascular Biology Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Medicine™ ((MIMM,volume 139))

Summary

Endothelial injury represents a major initiating step in the pathogenesis of vascular disease and atherosclerosis. The identification and quantification of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) has evolved as a novel marker of endothelial function. As a technique, it correlates with other markers of endothelial function such as flow-mediated dilation, the measurement of von Willebrand factor, and tissue plasminogen activator. Quantification of CECs is difficult due to low numbers, variable morphology, and a lack of standardization in current techniques used. CECs appear to be a different population of cells to endothelial progenitor cells. Increased CECs have been noted in a number of disease states and is evolving as a novel method of assessment of both disease severity and response to treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Haemostasis Thrombosis&Vascular Biology Unit, University Department of Medicine, City Hospital, England, UK

    Christopher J. Boos, Andrew D. Blann & Gregory Y. H. Lip

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  1. School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA

    Nair Sreejayan  & Jun Ren  & 

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Boos, C.J., Blann, A.D., Lip, G.Y.H. (2007). Assessment of Endothelial Damage/Dysfunction: A Focus on Circulating Endothelial Cells. In: Sreejayan, N., Ren, J. (eds) Vascular Biology Protocols. Methods in Molecular Medicine™, vol 139. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-571-8_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-571-8_13

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