A model for exercise-induced mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the bone marrow. Exercise will activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), resulting in an increase of nitric oxide (NO), and stimulates the expression of circulating factors like VEGF, SDF-1, and Epo. Subsequently,
MMP-9 is activated leading to a mobilization of EPCs from the bone marrow. In addition, exercise can induce the expression of EPC cell surface receptors
CXCR4 and VLA4, both important for homing of the EPCs.