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Alterations of circulating endothelial cell and endothelial progenitor cell counts around the ovulation

Sunao Tanaka1, Takayuki Ueno, Fumiaki Sato

  • 1Department of Surgery (Breast Surgery), Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Menstrual cycle variations significantly impact circulating endothelial progenitor cell (CEP) counts, peaking during specific phases. These CEP count changes correlate with key hormones like estradiol and luteinizing hormone, crucial for clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and progenitor cells (CEPs) are studied for therapeutic and monitoring applications.
  • The influence of the menstrual cycle on CEC and CEP counts is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine how the menstrual cycle affects CEC and CEP counts.
  • To investigate the relationship between CEC/CEP counts and hormones/angiogenesis factors.

Main Methods:

  • CEP and CEC counts were measured using flow cytometry and CellSearch in 18 volunteers.
  • Blood samples were collected eight times throughout the menstrual cycle.
  • The menstrual cycle was divided into six phases based on hormone levels.

Main Results:

  • CEP counts varied significantly across menstrual cycle phases, peaking in the periovulatory and mid-luteal phases.
  • CEC counts did not show significant variation.
  • CEP counts correlated with estradiol (E2), LH, and G-CSF levels.

Conclusions:

  • CEP counts exhibit menstrual cycle-dependent fluctuations, notably peaking in the periovulatory and middle luteal phases.
  • These variations are linked to serum concentrations of E2, LH, and G-CSF.
  • Understanding CEP count variations is vital for their clinical use.
Abstract

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