Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in congestive heart failure
Mutsuko Nonaka-Sarukawa1, Keiji Yamamoto, Hirotaka Aoki
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
International Journal of Cardiology
|October 31, 2006
Summary
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), measured as CD34+ MNCs, are reduced in severe congestive heart failure (CHF). This suggests impaired EPC function may contribute to severe CHF pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial for neovascularization and circulate in peripheral blood.
- EPCs are identified within CD34-positive mononuclear cells (CD34+ MNCs).
- The kinetics of circulating EPCs in congestive heart failure (CHF) remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of circulating CD34+ MNCs in patients with varying severity of CHF.
- To explore the relationship between CD34+ MNCs, clinical parameters, and disease progression in CHF.
Main Methods:
- Quantified CD34+ MNCs in peripheral blood using flow cytometry.
- Measured white blood cells (WBCs), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), erythropoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and thrombomodulin levels.
- Compared these parameters across mild CHF, severe CHF, and control groups.
Main Results:
- The ratio of CD34+ MNCs to WBCs was elevated in mild CHF but significantly reduced in severe CHF patients at admission.
- Severe CHF patients exhibited higher BNP and erythropoietin levels compared to mild CHF patients.
- In severe CHF, the CD34+ MNC ratio increased with clinical improvement and correlated with decreasing BNP levels.
Conclusions:
- A decreased ratio of CD34+ MNCs:10(3) WBCs is observed in severe CHF.
- Impaired endothelial progenitor cell recruitment may play a role in the pathophysiology of severe CHF.
