The effect of smoking on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is not well known, but in this examination of chronic smoking and smoking cessation regarding EPCs shows that EPCs are reduced in chronic smokers, and restored rapidly after smoking has stopped.
The recovery of EPC levels was greater in light smokers than in heavy smokers, and the decreased number of circulating EPCs would make smokers susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Even short-time cessation of smoking may be an effective means to reduce cardiovascular risk.
