Table 1 Potential endothelial based treatments in COPD

Anti-oxidant

vitamin C, vitamin E, α-lipoic acid

Improved FMD

Phase II

[125]

Ginkgo biloba extract

Reduced endothelial apoptosis

In vitro

[133]

Inflammation

ICS

Reduced bronchial VEGF, reduced FMD

Phase II

[134]

Statin

Reduced FMD

Phase II (NCT00929734)

[136]

Rho-kinase

Hydroxyfasudil

Increased NO release from endothelial cells

In vitro

[137]

Increased level of β2AR on EPCs

β2 antagonists

Improved proliferation and migration of EPCs

In vitro

[102]

Removal of abnormal tissue

LVRS

Reduced FMD

Phase II (NCT01020344)

[138]

Prostacylin

Beraprost sodium

Reduced endothelial apoptosis

In vitro

[139]

Iloprost

Reduced endothelial apoptosis

In vitro

[141]