An Effective Protocol for Endothelial Progenitor Cells Expansion from Human Umbilical Cord Blood with Autologous Platelet Lysate from the Same Unit

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) play an important role in neovascularization and vascular repair. Cell-based therapies with EPCs is still a novel but promising approach for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains a significant number of EPCs and is considered a cell source for clinical applications. However, xenogeneic-free conditions for ex vivo expansion are required. Since platelets have critical role in regulation of cell survival and contains various growth factors, platelets derived products could play a role in cell expansion. The aim of this study was to analyze if platelet lysate (PL), obtained from the same UCB unit from which mononuclear cells are obtained, is suitable for EPC expansion.