[Diagnostic value of evaluation of desquamated endothelial cells in blood]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Endothelial Biology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
• Circulating endotheliocytes are shed from damaged endothelium and may serve as a marker of vascular health.
• Previous methods for assessing endothelial damage have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate circulating endotheliocytes as a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction.
• To compare endotheliocyte levels in patients with coronary disease, stroke, diabetes, and gestosis.
• To correlate endotheliocyte count with other markers of endothelial damage, such as Willebrandt's factor.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Hladovec's method (1978) for quantifying circulating endotheliocytes in blood samples.
• Included patient cohorts with diagnosed coronary artery disease, coronary stroke, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and gestosis.
• Measured the concentration of Willebrandt's factor in conjunction with endotheliocyte counts.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of circulating endotheliocytes were observed across all patient groups, indicating endothelial damage.
• The most significant increase in endotheliocytes was found in patients with gestosis.
• A positive correlation was established between endotheliocyte count and Willebrandt's factor concentration.

Conclusions:

• Circulating endotheliocyte count is a sensitive indicator of endothelial damage in various clinical conditions.
• Endotheliocyte quantification offers a valuable diagnostic approach for assessing endothelial dysfunction.
• The findings support the use of endotheliocyte count as a reliable biomarker for endothelial damage, particularly in gestosis.