Peripheral blood CD34+KDR+ endothelial progenitor cells are determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis in a middle-aged general population.
OBJECTIVE
Disruption of the endothelial layer is the first step in the atherogenic process. Experimental studies have shown that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in endothelial homeostasis and repair. Conversely, EPC depletion has been demonstrated in the setting of established atherosclerotic diseases. With this background, we evaluated whether variations in the number of EPCs are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy subjects.


METHODS
Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), levels of circulating EPCs, and cardiovascular risk were compared in 137 healthy subjects. Six subpopulations of progenitor cells were determined by flow cytometry on the basis of the surface expression of CD34, CD133, and KDR antigens: CD34(+), CD133(+), CD34(+)CD133(+), CD34(+)KDR(+), CD133(+)KDR(+), and CD34(+)CD133(+)KDR(+).


RESULTS
Among different antigenic profiles of EPCs, only CD34(+)KDR(+) cells were significantly reduced in subjects with increased IMT. Specifically, CD34(+)KDR(+) cells were inversely correlated with IMT, even after adjustment for hsCRP and 10-year Framingham risk and independently of other cardiovascular parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Depletion of CD34(+)KDR(+) EPCs is an independent predictor of early subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy subjects and may provide additional information beyond classic risk factors and inflammatory markers.
Fadini
Gian Paolo
GP
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, Padova, Italy. gianpaolofadini@hotmail.com
Coracina
Anna
A
Baesso
Ilenia
I
Agostini
Carlo
C
Tiengo
Antonio
A
Avogaro
Angelo
A
de Kreutzenberg
Saula Vigili
SV
D000328:Adult; D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000378:metabolism*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002452:Cell Count; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002537:Intracranial Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D000954:Antigens, Surface