Endothelial progenitor cells in Asian kidney transplant patients

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) involved in endothelial repair and maintenance are restored following renal transplantation. There are scarce data regarding EPC in Asian kidney allograft patients.

We determined the EPC numbers in Thai renal allograft patients to compare with various other parameters.

The EPC numbers which were verified as CD 133+/VEGFR-2 cells in peripheral blood of 38 renal transplant recipients were measured by flow cytometry, and by a cell culture assay using acetylated low-density lipoprotein and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 immunofluorescence. Renal function calculated as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was obtained by the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula.

Renal allograft patients had lower EPC numbers than normal controls (P < .05). The EPC numbers showed a significant correlation with renal allograft function (P < .05). Recipients with stable eGFR at 12 months of follow-up displayed significantly greater EPC numbers at baseline compared with those subjects who experienced a decline in eGFR (P < .05). Recipients using angiotensin receptor blockers had greater EPC numbers at baseline and better 12-month renal allograft function (P < .05).

EPC numbers may influence the fate of renal allograft function. Enhancing EPC numbers may be a new strategy to improve long term renal allograft function.