Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

It is widely accepted that statin treatment improves survival in patients with myocardial infarction. Evidence also suggests that aggressive statin treatment is superior than standard dose during the post-infarction period. However, the exact mechanisms are still not well understood. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) play a key role in vascular homeostasis, since they contribute to the repair of damaged endothelium post-myocardial infarction, while they induce neoangiogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that statins may exert their beneficial effect in patients with recent myocardial infarction, by inducing EPC mobilization, and this may be a key mechanism by which statins improve survival in these patients. However, large scale clinical trials remain to prove that aggressive statin treatment is superior than standard dose in these patients, by inducing a more effective EPC mobilization.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.06.079

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int J Cardiol

Publication Date

28/11/2008

Volume

130

Pages

301 - 303

Keywords

Endothelial Cells, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Humans, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Myocardial Infarction