Mobilization of endothelial progeitor cells in patents with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

ObjectivesTo observe the mobilization of Endothelial Progenitor cell (EPCs) following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and the possible mechanism involved.MethodsLevel of circulating EPCs(CD34+/KDR+) of patients with AIS were examined by flow cytometry at day1, 7, 14 and 21 after acute stroke. Infarct volume was checked by MRI. Stromal derived factor‐1(SDF‐1) content was determined by ELISA. The change rate of EPCs was defined as (EPC14d‐EPC1d)/EPC1d.Results1. The number of circulating EPCs began to increase at day 7 after AIS, reached peak level at day 14 and decreased at day 21. EPCs change rate was significantly correlated with infarct volume (r = 0.692; P<0.01). 2. The content of SDF‐1 significantly increased at day 7 after AIS, reached peak level at day 14 and decreased at day 21. SDF‐1 content at day 14 was significantly correlated with infarct volume (r = 0.774; P<0.01). 3. EPCs change rate in patients with AIS was significantly correlated with SDF‐1 content at day 14(r = 0.682; P<0.01).ConclusionThe increased circulating EPCs may result from the mobilization of EPCs in response to stroke stress. The mechanism of EPCs mobilization may be associated with an increased expression of SDF‐1.This work was supported by National Scientific Foundation Committee of China ( 31100985)