Abstract 386: Body Mass Index Exacerbates the Hypertension Mediated Increase in Endothelial Cell Sloughing and Suppression of Antioxidant Heme Oxygenase-1

Abstract

Introduction: Endothelial Progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow derived cells that migrate and differentiate into mature endothelial cells and play a significant role in the re-endothelialization and neovascularization of injured endothelium and restoration of vascular function. We examined whether obesity and hypertension exacerbates the levels of biomarkers including circulating endothelial cells (CEC), serum inflammatory cytokines, and the levels of heme oxygenase -1 (HO-1) in EPC. Methods: Peripheral blood from 10 normal, 15 obese, 12 hypertensive, 20 obese-hypertensive and 15 diabetic patients was analyzed for inflammatory cytokines, CEC number, adiponectin and HO-1 levels. Results: The levels of inflammatory cytokines increased with BMI and directly correlated with increasing obesity. Similarly, hypertensive patients have elevated CEC which are further increased in obese hypertensive patients (p<.05). HO-1 was reduced (p<.05) in both hypertensive and obese patients when compared to control. Similarly serum adiponectin levels were lower in hypertensive obese patients when compared to controls (p<.01). Inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNFα were elevated in obese hypertensive patients compared to non-obese hypertensive patients (p<.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated in hypertension patients that obesity exacerbates vascular dysfunction and increases circulating endothelial cells and inflammatory cytokines. A reduction in the levels of HO-1 and adiponectin imply reduced antioxidant levels which are contributing factors towards vascular and adipocyte dysfunction in hypertension patients. Thus upregulation of HO-1 offers a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of this population.