Mobilization of CD133+ progenitor cells in patients with acute cerebral infarction

Progenitor cells (PCs) contribute to the endogenous repair mechanism after ischemic events. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) as part of the acute inflammatory reaction may enhance PC mobilization. Also, statins are supposed to alter number and function of circulating PCs. We aimed to investigate PC mobilization after acute ischemic stroke as well as its association with inflammatory markers and statin therapy. Sixty-five patients with ischemic stroke were enrolled in the study. The number of CD133+ PCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Blood samples were drawn within 24 hours after symptom onset and after 5 days. The number of CD133+ PCs increased significantly within 5 days (p<0.001). We found no correlation between CD133+ PCs and the serum levels of IL-8, IL-6, or C-reactive protein (CRP). Multivariate analysis revealed that preexisting statin therapy correlated independently with the increase of CD133+ PCs (p=0.001). This study showed a mobilization of CD133+ PCs in patients with acute cerebral infarction within 5 days after symptom onset. The early systemic inflammatory response did not seem to be a decisive factor in the mobilization of PCs. Preexisting statin therapy was associated with the increase in CD133+ PCs, suggesting a potentially beneficial effect of statin therapy in patients with stroke.