title: Batroxobin mobilizes circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with deep vein thrombosis.
abstract: Batroxobin, a thrombin-like enzyme from Bothrops atrox moojeni venom, is associated with the reduction of fibrinogen levels in plasma and the enhancement of anticoagulation and fibrinolysis. In this study, 15 patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) achieved successful limb salvage after the administration of batroxobin. We found that the levels of CD34+, CD31+, CD34+/CD31+, and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin+) cells had increased in the peripheral blood of patients at 7 days and 14 days after treatment. At 0 day, 7 days, and 14 days, the percentages of CD34+ cells, which are assumed to be hematopoietic stem cells, are 0.39% ± 0.43%, 0.71% ± 0.50%, and 1.11% ± 0.66%, respectively. The levels of CD34+ cells at 14 days are significantly higher than the levels on the first day (P = .004). The levels of CD31+ cells and VE-cadherin+ cells, which represent mature endothelial cells, at 7 days (34.15% ± 11.32%, P = .013; 1.25% ± 1.39%, P = .014) and 14 days (35.21% ± 7.66%, P = .071; 1.85% ± 2.60%, P = .117) were slightly elevated compared with those at 0 day (27.55% ± 8.65%; 0.25 ± 0.39%). The double positive of CD34 and CD31 cells are assumed to be endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The levels of CD34+/CD31+ cells at 7 days (0.69% ± 0.50%, P = .001) and 14 days (1.07% ± 0.66%, P = .006) are significantly higher than that on the initial day (0.28% ± 0.30%). The number of CD34+/CD31+ cells significantly increased, indicating that in addition to its role in anticoagulation and fibrinolysis, treatment with batroxobin might simultaneously activate circulating EPCs that might promote the recanalization of the damaged vessel wall.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
authors.lastname: Lei Zhang
authors.lastname: Shi Hong Lu
authors.lastname: Li Li
authors.forename: Yu-Guo
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.lastname: Yong Ling Wan
authors.forename: Hirobumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Senga
authors.lastname: Renchi Yang
authors.lastname: Zhong Chao Han
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000097:blood; D012103:Batroxobin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D042783:Endothelial Cells; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019650:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013234:Stem Cells; D013997:Time Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D012103:Batroxobin