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Updated: May 20, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Vascular Endothelial Cells from Distinct Adipose Depots for Downstream Applications
Published on: June 10, 2022
Obesity suppresses circulating level and function of endothelial progenitor cells and heart function
Tzu-Hsien Tsai1, Han-Tan Chai, Cheuk-Kwan Sun
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital- Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Obesity significantly reduces endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and impairs heart function, leading to increased left ventricular remodeling. This study highlights the detrimental effects of obesity on cardiovascular health and regenerative capacity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a crucial role in vascular repair.
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a key indicator of cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of obesity on circulating EPC levels and function.
- To assess the effect of obesity on LVEF and cardiac remodeling.
- To test the hypothesis that obesity suppresses EPCs and LVEF.
Main Methods:
- Obesity was induced in C57BL/6J mice using a high-fat diet for 20 weeks.
- Control mice received a standard diet.
- Circulating EPC levels, angiogenesis, migratory ability, and LVEF were assessed.
Main Results:
- Obese mice exhibited significantly higher body weight, heart weight, and abdominal fat.
- Circulating EPC levels and function were significantly reduced in obese mice.
- Obesity led to impaired endothelial repair, increased cardiac fibrosis, and reduced LVEF.
Conclusions:
- Obesity significantly diminishes circulating EPC levels and impairs their angiogenic and migratory functions.
- Obesity negatively impacts endothelial repair mechanisms and cardiac function, evidenced by reduced LVEF and increased left ventricular remodeling.
- These findings underscore the detrimental effects of obesity on cardiovascular health.
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