[Effects of hypercholesterolemia on the number and activity of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether hypercholesterolemia has influences on the number and activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).


METHODS
Mononuclear cells were isolated from patients with hypercholesterolemia (n = 20) and age-matched control subjects (n = 20). EPCs were characterized as adherent cells double positive for DiLDL-uptake and lectin binding by direct fluorescent staining under a laser scanning confocal microscope. EPCs proliferation and migration were assayed by MTT assay and modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. EPCs adhesion assay was performed by replating cells on fibronectin-coated dishes, then counting the adherent cells.


RESULTS
The number of EPCs was significantly reduced in patients with hypercholesterolemia as compared with that in control subjects [(41.8 +/- 8.7 vs 64.5 +/- 16.6) EPCs/x 200 fields; P < 0.05] and it was inversely correlated with total cholesterol levels (r = -0.659, P < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol levels (r = -0.611, P < 0.001). In addition, EPCs proliferative, migratory and adhesive capacity were also impaired.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that a novel pathophysiological mechanism of hypercholesterolemia may be defined i.e. reduction of EPCs with decreased functional activity.
Zhu
Jun-hui
JH
Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Wang
Xing-xiang
XX
Chen
Jun-zhu
JZ
Tao
Qian-min
QM
Zhu
Jian-hua
JH
Sun
Jian
J
D000368:Aged; D002452:Cell Count; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology