Leptin Induces Sca-1 ⁺ Progenitor Cell Migration Enhancing Neointimal Lesions in Vessel-Injury Mouse Models

Abstract

Upregulation of leptin levels in both the vessel wall and the circulation after vessel injury promoted the migration of Sca-1⁺ progenitor cells via leptin receptor-dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 3- Rac1/Cdc42-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase)-FAK pathways, which enhanced neointimal formation.