Number Of Endothelial Progenitor Cells Research Articles

Increased number and function of endothelial progenitor cells in breast cancer patients and the linear correlation with VEGF level

The number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was found to increase in patients with breast cancer, but the alteration in EPC function remains to be elusive. We conducted this study to evaluate the number and function of peripheral EPCs of breast cancer patients and its possible underlying mechanism. Besides, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VCAM-1, IL-6, and IL-34 levels were measured in blood samples and also in vitro in a medium of EPCs. We found that the number of circulating EPCs in breast cancer patients was significantly higher than that in normal control and remarkably augmented in a stage-dependent manner. Meanwhile, a similar enhancement was observed in the migratory, proliferative, and adhesive activity of circulating EPCs originating from breast cancer patients. More importantly, the VEGF level in blood samples was dramatically elevated in comparison to the control, which was correlated positively with the number and activity of circulating EPCs from breast cancer patients. Moreover, in vitro medium of EPCs from breast cancer patients highly expressed VEGF compared with that from the control, which also had a positive correlation with the number and activity of circulating EPCs from breast cancer patients. This is the first time to demonstrate that the number and function of circulating EPCs are promoted in breast cancer patients, which are positively related to an enhanced VEGF production. These may provide a novel target for improving the outcome of breast cancer.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells and NADPH Oxidase Enzyme Activity in the Development of an Aortic Aneurysm.

IntroductionEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase enzyme activity may affect the vessel wall and have a role in development of aortic aneurysms. EPCs originate from hematopoietic stem cells and can be enumerated from peripheral blood samples by flow cytometry. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relation of EPC number and NADPH oxidase enzyme activity in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA).MethodsPatients with TAA (n=30) and healthy individuals without TAA (control, n=10) were included in our study. Characterization and enumeration of EPC from peripheral blood samples were performed by flow cytometry with panels including markers of EPCs (CD34/CD133/CD309/CD146/CD144). Additionally, NADPH oxidase enzyme activity (capacity) was also measured by the dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) test.ResultsThe enumeration of EPC with CD34+/CD146+ marker showed that the number of mean EPC/106 cells was increased in the patient group (41.5/106 cells), but not in the control group (20.50/105 cells) (P<0.01). Additionally, patients with TAA presented significantly lower NADPH oxidase activity by DHR assay than healthy controls (mean stimulation index: 60.40± 7.86 and 75.10±5.21, respectively) (P<0.01).ConclusionOur results showed that the number of EPCs is significantly higher in aortic aneurysm patients and may have a role in disease progression. The crosstalk between NADPH oxidase enzyme capacity and EPC number may be useful as a parameter to explain the clinical progression of TAA.

Beneficial Role of Vitamin D on Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the world. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are currently being explored in the context of CVD risk. EPCs are bone marrow derived progenitor cells involved in postnatal endothelial repair and neovascularization. A large body of evidence from clinical, animal, and in vitro studies have shown that EPC numbers in circulation and their functionality reflect endogenous vascular regenerative capacity. Traditionally vitamin D is known to be beneficial for bone health and calcium metabolism and in the last two decades, its role in influencing CVD and cancer risk has generated significant interest. Observational studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with an adverse cardiovascular risk profile. Still, Mendelian randomization studies and randomized control trials (RCTs) have not shown significant effects of vitamin D on cardiovascular events. The criticism regarding the RCTs on vitamin D and CVD is that they were not designed to investigate cardiovascular outcomes in vitamin D-deficient individuals. Overall, the association between vitamin D and CVD remains inconclusive. Recent clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated the beneficial role of vitamin D in increasing the circulatory level of EPC as well as their functionality. In this review we present evidence supporting the beneficial role of vitamin D in CVD through its modulation of EPC homeostasis.

Effect of dietary chia supplementation on glucose metabolism and adipose tissue function markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease subjects.

Background: adipose tissue dysfunction is a key factor for diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber which could improve adipose tissue functionality. Aim: to analyze the effect of an isocaloric chia-supplemented diet on glucose metabolism, adipose tissue inflammation, and endothelial function markers in patients with NAFLD and early stages of diabetes. Methods: in 32 patients with previous NAFLD diagnosis, without known diabetes, the effect of a diet supplemented with ground chia (25 g/day/8 weeks) was evaluated. Visceral (VAF) and liver fat, plasma lipids, fatty acids, and cytokine profiles, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulinogenic index (IGI30), insulin disposition index (DIO), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) were analyzed. Before and after eight weeks of diet supplementation. Results: chia supplementation promoted increases in plasma alpha-linolenic acid (75 %) and fiber consumption (55 %), and a higher number of EPC (+126 %). Basal OGTT showed that nine patients had normal OGTT, 17 pre-diabetes, and six newly diagnosed diabetes. In patients with diabetes, chia favored a healthier adipose tissue (VAF -7 %, NAFLD -100 %, adiponectin +47 %, resistin -30 %, IL-6 -44 %, IL-1β -22 %) and upturn glucose metabolism through the improvement of beta-cell function (IGI30 +50 %, DIO +66 %). Conclusions: dietary supplementation with 25 g/day of ground chia may promote a healthier adipose tissue and improve pancreatic β-cell and endothelial function. Among patients with early metabolic abnormalities, phytochemical properties of chia may retard diabetes progression and advanced stages of liver damage.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Response to Endothelial Dysfunction and Clinical Evidences.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by the swelling of multiple joints, pain and stiffness, and accelerated atherosclerosis. Sustained immune response and chronic inflammation, which characterize RA, may induce endothelial activation, damage and dysfunction. An equilibrium between endothelial damage and repair, together with the preservation of endothelial integrity, is of crucial importance for the homeostasis of endothelium. Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) represent a heterogenous cell population, characterized by the ability to differentiate into mature endothelial cells (ECs), which contribute to vascular homeostasis, neovascularization and endothelial repair. A modification of the number and function of EPCs has been described in numerous chronic inflammatory and auto-immune conditions; however, reports that focus on the number and functions of EPCs in RA are characterized by conflicting results, and discrepancies exist among different studies. In the present review, the authors describe EPCs’ role and response to RA-related endothelial modification, with the aim of illustrating current evidence regarding the level of EPCs and their function in this disease, to summarize EPCs’ role as a biomarker in cardiovascular comorbidities related to RA, and finally, to discuss the modulation of EPCs secondary to RA therapy.

Effects of Early Intensive Insulin Therapy on Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type2 Diabetes.

AimThis study aimed to investigate the alteration of circulating CD34+KDR+CD133+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and the mechanism of the effect of early intensive insulin therapy.MethodsIn this study, 36 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and 22 control subjects matched by age and gender were enrolled. All of the patients with diabetes received intensive insulin therapy. The number of EPCs was assessed by flow cytometry based on the expression of CD34, CD133, and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR).ResultsLevels of circulating CD34+KDR+CD133+ EPCs were higher in patients with diabetes compared to control subjects and significantly decreased after intensive insulin therapy. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major contributor to EPC mobilization, were significantly higher in patients with diabetes compared to control subjects, and dramatically decreased after insulin therapy. Importantly, VEGF levels correlated with number of EPCs. Moreover, compared with control subjects, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress were significantly higher in patients with diabetes and markedly decreased after intensive insulin therapy.ConclusionsThese results showed that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increase of circulating CD34+KDR+CD133+ EPCs at the onset of diabetes, indicating increased compensatory mobilization. Additionally, early intensive insulin therapy exerts a preserving effect on EPC level partly through improving inflammation status and oxidative stress, thereby implying a putative long-term beneficial effect on vascular integrity via suspending excessive EPC exhaustion.Clinical Trial NumberNCT03710811.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13300-021-01185-w.

OR12. Augmentation of endothelial progenitor cell proliferation in stable coronary artery disease subjects using human umbilical cord blood-mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome in hyperglycemia condition

Abstract Background and Aims The number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) was decreased in stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and diabetic patients. Human umbilical cord blood-mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome (secretome) has the potential to improve the proliferation of EPC. This study aims to figure out the effect of the secretome on EPC proliferation of SCAD patients and hyperglycemia conditions. Method and Results EPC’s were isolated from peripheral blood samples and cultured for three days in the Stemline II medium. Cultured EPC’s were incubated with various concentrations of secretome (2%, 10%, and 20%). The other groups were treated with high glucose (25 mmol/L), a combination of secretome and high glucose, vascular endothelial growth factors-only (positive group), and the basal medium only (negative group). MTT cell proliferation assay kit was used to evaluate the EPC’s proliferation at 72 hours after reagent addition. The absorbance of MTT was measured in optical density (OD). The 20% secretome group was significantly higher than the positive control group (1.59 vs. 1.43; p &amp;lt; 0.001). EPC proliferation in the secretome group is dose-dependent manner. EPC’s proliferation of the high glucose group was significantly lower than the negative control group (0.65 vs. 0.89; p &amp;lt; 0.001). EPCs proliferation OD was significantly higher between a combination of 20% secretome and high glucose than the secretome-only group (1.78 vs. 1.59; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion The secretome enhances the EPC proliferation of SCAD patients, even in a high glucose condition. The secretome is a new potential substance to modulate the EPC proliferation of SCAD patients.

Abstract 13784: Thrombopoietin Restores Megakaryopoiesis By Protecting Bone Marrow Endothelial Progenitor Cells Of Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Undergoing Chemotherapy

Introduction and Objective: Thrombocytopenia is the most common side effect of patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. Platelet production depends on a good bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, especially the endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), which play an important role in angiogenesis and thus supporting megakaryopoiesis. However, little is known regarding the function of EPC in patients with hematologic malignancies. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the role of EPC in angiogenesis and megakaryopoiesis, and the effect of thrombopoietin (TPO) on EPC in patients with hematologic malignancies. Methods: Twenty-three patients with ALL or AML, and ten age-matched healthy donors were recruited in the present study. EPCs were isolated from BM mononuclear cells. The cell count, proliferation, migration, and tube formation assays were conducted. Megakaryocytes were quantified by flow cytometry after coculturing with EPC in the absence and presence of TPO (100 ng/ml). In addition, transgenic zebrafish with vascular endothelial cells expressing EGFP [Tg(fli-1:EGFP)] were used to examine the angiogenic effect of TPO. Simvastatin was used to induce vascular defects in zebrafish embryos. The embryos were then treated with or without TPO (10 -3 U/μl) by intravenous injection before fluorescent images were captured. Results: The number of BM EPC was significantly smaller in patients with ALL and AML than in healthy donors. The BM EPCs from patients showed significantly reduced proliferation, migration and tube formation when compared to those from healthy donors. TPO (100 ng/ml) significantly improved those functions of EPC, and significantly increased the number of megakaryocytes after coculture. In Tg(fli-1:EGFP) zebrafish embryos, TPO (10 -3 U/μl) significantly increased the SIV vascularized area in the presence of simvastatin. Conclusion: The present study shows that dysfunctional BM EPC contributes to the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy; and such impaired functions of BM EPC could be restored by TPO. In addition, TPO increases the number of megakaryocytes after coculture with EPC in vitro and promotes angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos.

Abstract 14015: Extracellular Vesicle-Associated microRNAs From the Plasma of HIV-Positive Individuals Enhance Atherosclerosis Burden

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLHIV) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) compared to HIV negative (HIV - ) individuals. The molecular mechanisms underlying the increased CVD risk remain elusive. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate cell-to-cell communication through cargo transfer, including microRNAs (EV-miRs). Hypothesis: HIV infection results in modification of plasma EVs cargo and these HIV positive EVs (HIV posEVs ), specifically EV-miRs, recapitulate the effects of HIV infection on CVD development. Methods: Atherosclerosis burden was assessed by carotid ultrasound in 74 PLHIV treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) with viral loads &lt;50 c/ml and 23 HIV - subjects. Circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) levels were measured by colony forming unit (CFU) assay. PLHIV plasma was fractionated into plasma EVs (HIV posEVs ) and plasma-depleted of EVs (HIV plasmadepEVs ). These fractions, EVs from HIV - subjects (HIV negEVs ) and PBS were injected weekly into apoE -/- mice via tail vein for three months. Atherosclerosis burden (H&amp;E and Oil Red O staining), bone marrow (BM) EPC senescence (β-galactosidase staining), proliferation (MTT assay) and migration (“scratch” assay) were examined. RNASeq was used to identify EV-miRs that mediated the effects of HIV posEVs . Tailored EVs (TEVs) loaded with antagomirs for top EV-miRs were generated to determine their capacity to reverse the adverse effects of HIV posEVs in mouse EPCs in vitro . Results: PLHIV had higher atherosclerosis burden and lower circulating EPC numbers. Mice treated with HIV posEVs showed increased atherosclerotic burden, higher BM EPC senescence and lower functionality. HIV posEVs also negatively affected mouse BM EPC senescence in vitro . RNAseq identified four top candidate EV-miRs upregulated in HIV posEVs : let-7b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-423-5p, and miR-103a-2. TEVs loaded with the antagomirs for let-7b and miR103a-2 counteracted the effects of HIV posEVs on the accelerated senescence of mouse BM EPCs. Conclusion: 1) Plasma EVs from PLHIV reconstitute the effects of HIV infection on accelerated atherosclerosis via negatively affects EPC functionality; and 2) TEVs, targeting candidate EV-miRs counteracts the effects of HIV infection on EPCs.

Evaluation of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Background and ObjectivesCirculating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in vascular repair and predict cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between EPCs and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).Methods and ResultsPatients (age 67±9.41 years) suffering from AAAs (aortic diameters 58.09±11.24 mm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients received endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Blood samples were taken preoperatively and 14 days after surgery from patients with aortic aneurysms. Samples were also obtained from age-matched control subjects. Circulating EPCs were defined as those cells that were double positive for CD34 and CD309. Rat models of AAA formation were generated by the peri-adventitial elastase application of either saline solution (control; n=10), or porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE; n=14). The aortas were analyzed using an ultrasonic video system and immunohistochemistry. The levels of CD34＋/CD309＋ cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations were measured by flow cytometry. The baseline numbers of circulating EPCs (CD34＋/CD309＋) in the peripheral blood were significantly smaller in AAA patients compared with control subjects. The number of EPCs doubled by the 14th day after EVAR. A total of 78.57% of rats in the PPE group (11/14) formed AAAs (dilation ratio >150%). The numbers of EPCs from defined AAA rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group.ConclusionsEPC levels may be useful for monitoring abdominal aorta aneurysms and rise after EVAR in patients with aortic aneurysms, and might contribute to the rapid endothelialization of vessels.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Allogeneic Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in the neovascularization in traumatic and ischemic sites, but EPCs are “detained” in bone marrow under diabetic conditions, which results in reduction of the number of EPCs and their biological activity in peripheral blood. Based on our previous study to mobilize autologous bone marrow EPCs by administering AMD3100+G-CSF to realize the optimal effect, our present study is aimed at exploring the effects of transplanting EPCs locally in a wound model of diabetic mice. First, we prepared and identified EPCs, and the biological functions and molecular characteristics were compared between EPCs from DB/+ and DB/DB mice. Then, we performed full-thickness skin resection in DB/DB mice and tested the effect of local transplantation of EPCs on skin wound healing. The wound healing process was recorded using digital photographs. The animals were sacrificed on postoperative days 7, 14, and 17 for histological and molecular analysis. Our results showed that DB/+ EPCs were biologically more active than those of DB/DB EPCs. When compared with the control group, local transplantation of EPCs accelerated wound healing in DB/DB mice by promoting wound granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and collagen fiber deposition, but there was no significant difference in wound healing between DB/+ EPCs and DB/DB EPCs transplanted into the wound. Furthermore, local transplantation of EPCs promoted the expression of SDF-1, CXCR4, and VEGF. We speculated that EPC transplantation may promote wound healing through the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. This point is worth exploring further. Present data are of considerable significance because they raise the possibility of promoting wound healing by isolating autologous EPCs from the patient, which provides a new approach for the clinical treatment of diabetic wounds in the future.

Single Intraosseous Simvastatin Application Induces Endothelial Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Therapeutic Angiogenesis in a Diabetic Hindlimb Ischemia Rat Model.

Endothelial progenitor cells have shown the ability to enhance neovascularization. In this study, the authors tested whether intraosseous delivery of simvastatin could mobilize endothelial progenitor cells and enhance recovery in a hindlimb ischemia model. There are eight groups of rats in this study: normal control; type 1 diabetes mellitus control group control without drug intervention; and type 1 diabetes mellitus rats that randomly received intraosseous simvastatin (0, 0.5, or 1 mg) or oral simvastatin administration (0, 20, or 400 mg). All type 1 diabetes mellitus rats had induced hindlimb ischemia. The number of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood, and serum markers, were detected. The recovery of blood flow at 21 days after treatment was used as the main outcome. The authors demonstrated that endothelial progenitor cell mobilization was increased in the simvastatin 0.5- and 1-mg groups compared with the type 1 diabetes mellitus control and simvastatin 0-mg groups at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly increased at 2 weeks in the simvastatin 0.5- and 1-mg groups, in addition to the increase of the blood flow and the gastrocnemius weight at 3 weeks. Similar increase can also been seen in simvastatin 400 mg orally but not in simvastatin 20 mg orally. These findings demonstrate that a single intraosseous administration of simvastatin mobilized endothelial progenitor cells at a dose one-hundredth of the required daily oral dose in rats, and this potent mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells markedly improved diabetic limb ischemia by means of neovascularization.

SDF-1 secreted by mesenchymal stem cells promotes the migration of endothelial progenitor cells via CXCR4/PI3K/AKT pathway

Cell-based therapeutics bring great hope in areas of unmet medical needs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested to facilitate neovascularization mainly by paracrine action. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can migrate to ischemic sites and participate in angiogenesis. The combination cell therapy that includes MSCs and EPCs has a favorable effect on ischemic limbs. However, the mechanism of combination cell therapy remains unclear. Herein, we investigate whether stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 secreted by MSCs contributes to EPC migration to ischemic sites via CXCR4/Phosphoinositide 3-Kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (termed as AKT) signaling pathway. First, by a "dual-administration" approach, intramuscular MSC injections were supplemented with intravenous Qdot® 525 labeled-EPC injections in the mouse model of hind limb ischemia. Then, the mechanism of MSC effect on EPC migration was detected by the transwell system, tube-like structure formation assays, western blot assays in vitro. Results showed that the combination delivery of MSCs and EPCs enhanced the incorporation of EPCs into the vasculature and increased the capillary density in mouse ischemic hind limb. The numbers of CXCR4-positive EPCs increased after incubation with MSC-conditioned medium (CM). MSCs contributed to EPC migration and tube-like structure formation, both of which were suppressed by AMD3100 and wortmannin. Phospho-AKT induced by MSC-CM was attenuated when EPCs were pretreated with AMD3100 and wortmannin. In conclusion, we confirmed that MSCs contributes to EPC migration, which is mediated via CXCR4/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The decrease of endothelial progenitor cells caused by high altitude may lead to coronary heart disease.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 24 patients with CHD were chosen from Lanzhou City and Xianyang City, and then, 24 healthy controls who matched the CHD group in gender, age and address were chosen as control group. C-reactive protein (CRP) and c-reaction protein (hs-CRP) were detected. The levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), homocysteine (Hcy), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1α) were detected. The number of EPCs in control groups was both increased compared with CHD group (p<0.05). The number of EPCs in Xianyang control group was increased compared with Lanzhou control group (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of TC, LDL and CRP in the CHD group were higher (p<0.05). Compared with Lanzhou control group, Hcy level was decreased in Lanzhou CHD group (p<0.05). Compared with Xianyang control group, the levels of IL-8 and VEGF were increased, but the levels of HIF-1α and Hcy were decreased in the Xianyang CHD group (p<0.05). The expressions of IL-8, VEGF, Hcy and HIF-1α were increased in Lanzhou control group than the Xianyang control group (p<0.05). In Lanzhou CHD group, Spearman correlation analysis showed that the number of EPCs was negatively related to hs-CRP content (r=-0.631, p<0.05). The decrease of EPCs caused by high altitude may increase the expressions of various cytokines, leading to the occurrence of CHD.

Long noncoding RNA p21 enhances autophagy to alleviate endothelial progenitor cells damage and promote endothelial repair in hypertension through SESN2/AMPK/TSC2 pathway

Vascular damage of hypertension has been the focus of hypertension treatment, and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in the repair of vascular endothelial damage. Functional damage and decreased number of EPCs are observed in the peripheral circulation of hypertensive patients, but its mechanism is not yet elucidated. Here, we show that the number of EPCs in hypertensive patients is significantly lower than that of normal population, and the cell function decreases with a higher proportion of EPCs at later stages. A decrease in autophagy is responsible for the senescence and damage of EPCs induced by AngII. Moreover, lncRNA-p21 plays a critical regulator role in EPCs’ senescence and dysfunction. Furthermore, lncRNA-p21 activates SESN2/AMPK/TSC2 pathway by promoting the transcriptional activity of p53 and enhances autophagy to protect against AngII-induced EPC damage. The data provide evidence that a reversal of decreased autophagy serves as the protective mechanism of EPC injury in hypertensive patients, and lncRNA-p21 is a new therapeutic target for vascular endothelial repair in hypertension.

Evaluation of endothelial function and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with HIV infection

The aim of this study was to analyse the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related clinical and analytical parameters and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis as well as endothelial dysfunction. This was a prospective cohort study of HIV-positive patients who underwent intima media thickness (IMT) determination and coronary artery calcium scoring to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. To detect endothelial dysfunction, the breath holding index, flow-mediated dilation and the concentration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were measured. Patients with an IMT ≥ 0.9 mm had an average of 559.3 ± 283.34 CD4/μl, and those with an IMT < 0.9 mm had an average of 715.4 ± 389.92 CD4/μl (p = 0.04). Patients with a low calcium score had a significantly higher average CD4 cell value and lower zenith viral load (VL) than those with a higher score (707.7 ± 377.5 CD4/μl vs 477.23 ± 235.7 CD4/μl (p = 0.01) and 7 × 104 ± 5 × 104 copies/ml vs 23.4 × 104 ± 19 × 104 copies/ml (p = 0.02)). The number of early EPCs in patients with a CD4 nadir < 350/µl was lower than that in those with a CD4 nadir ≥ 350 (p = 0.03). In HIV-positive patients, low CD4 cell levels and high VL were associated with risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. HIV patients with CD4 cell nadir < 350/µl may have fewer early EPCs.

Deferoxamine accelerates endothelial progenitor cell senescence and compromises angiogenesis.

Senescence reduces the circulating number and angiogenic activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and is associated with aging-related vascular diseases. However, it is very time-consuming to obtain aged cells (~1 month of repeated replication) or animals (~2 years) for senescence studies. Here, we established an accelerated senescence model by treating EPCs with deferoxamine (DFO), an FDA-approved iron chelator. Four days of low-dose (3 μM) DFO induced senescent phenotypes in EPCs, including a senescent pattern of protein expression, impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, altered mitochondrial protein levels and compromised angiogenic activity. DFO-treated early EPCs from young and old donors (< 35 vs. > 70 years old) displayed similar senescent phenotypes, including elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and reduced relative telomere lengths, colony-forming units and adenosine triphosphate levels. To validate this accelerated senescence model in vivo, we intraperitoneally injected Sprague-Dawley rats with DFO for 4 weeks. Early EPCs from DFO-treated rats displayed profoundly senescent phenotypes compared to those from control rats. Additionally, in hind-limb ischemic mice, DFO pretreatment compromised EPC angiogenesis by reducing both blood perfusion and capillary density. DFO thus accelerates EPC senescence and appears to hasten model development for cellular senescence studies.

Advances of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in the Development of Depression.

Depression is a major psychological disease of human beings. With the severity of depression, it elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially acute coronary syndrome (ACS), resulting in serious harm to human health. The number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is closely related to the development of depression. It has been reported that the number of peripheral blood EPCs in patients with depression was reduced. However, effects on the function of EPCs in depression are still unclear. This paper aims to analyze and summarize the research of EPCs in depression, and we envision that EPCs might act as a new target for evaluating the severity of depression and its complications.

Effects of calcitriol on peripheral endothelial progenitor cells and renal renovation in rats with chronic renal failure

BackgroundThe role of calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 1,25-(OH)2D3) in physiological processes, such as anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation, and immunoregulation is known; however, its role in the remodeling of the glomerular capillary endothelium in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) remains unclear. MethodsHere, we analyzed the role/number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), renal function, and pathological alterations in rats with CRF, and compared the results before and after supplementation with calcitriol in vivo. ResultsAmongst the three experimental groups (sham group, CRF group, and calcitriol-treated group (0.03 μg/kg/d), we observed substantially elevated cell adhesion and vasculogenesis in vivo in the calcitriol-treated group. Additionally, lower levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was recorded in the calcitriol-treated group than the CRF group (p > 0.05). Calcitriol treatment also resulted in an improvement in renal pathological injury. ConclusionsThus, calcitriol could ameliorate the damage of glomerular arterial structural and renal tubules vascular network integrity, maybe through regulating the number and function of EPCs in the peripheral blood of CRF rats. Treatment with it may improve outcomes in patients with renal insufficiency or combined cardiac insufficiency.Calcitriol could ameliorate CRF-induced renal pathological injury and renal dysfunction by remodeling of the glomerular capillary endothelium, thus, improving the function of glomerular endothelial cells.

Effect of Peptidylarginine Deiminase 4 on Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function in Peripheral Arterial Disease.

At present, the global prevalence of peripheral arterial disease is increasing year by year, and it has become a worldwide disease. Studies have shown that transplanting endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) into ischemic tissues can improve the tissue ischemia, thereby having a therapeutic effect on peripheral arterial diseases. This indicates that EPCs play a therapeutic effect in peripheral arterial disease. Recent studies have shown that peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) is involved in the regulation of epigenetics and its inhibitor Cl-amidine can improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation and significantly reduce the formation of arterial thrombosis. It can also play a role in hematopoietic stem cells that share the same origin with EPCs. Therefore, we speculate that PAD4 may also have an effect on EPCs through a similar mechanism, thereby participating in the damage and repair of peripheral arterial disease. Therefore, we first detected the expression of PAD4 in EPCs of peripheral arterial disease and detected changes in the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood after injecting the PAD4 inhibitor Cl-amidine into mice. A mouse model of lower limb ischemia was established to explore the effect of PAD4 on the function of EPCs in peripheral arterial disease. The results show that PAD4 is highly expressed in peripheral arterial diseases and the PAD4 inhibitor Cl-amidine can increase the number of EPCs and can treat peripheral arterial diseases by improving the proliferation, migration, and vascularization of EPCs.