Endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial microparticles are independent predictors of endothelial function
Luc Bruyndonckx1, Vicky Y Hoymans2, Geert Frederix3
1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Pathophysiological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Insights
Obese children show impaired microvascular endothelial function, with lower endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and higher endothelial microparticles (EMPs). These factors, along with systolic blood pressure, predict dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Microvascular endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Understanding endothelial health in obese children is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess microvascular endothelial function in obese versus normal-weight children.
- To investigate the relationship between endothelial function, cardiovascular risk factors, arterial stiffness, and circulating biomarkers (EPCs and EMPs).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study comparing 57 obese and 30 normal-weight children (ages 15.2-15.4 years).
- Microvascular endothelial function measured using peripheral arterial tonometry.
- Flow cytometry used to quantify endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) in blood samples.
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited significantly impaired microvascular endothelial function.
- Obese children had fewer EPCs and more EMPs compared to normal-weight peers.
- Systolic blood pressure, EPC count, and EMP count were independent predictors of endothelial function.
Conclusions:
- Childhood obesity is associated with impaired endothelial microvascular function, increased arterial stiffness, reduced EPCs, and elevated EMPs.
- EPC and EMP counts, in addition to systolic blood pressure, are significant independent predictors of microvascular endothelial dysfunction in children.
Objective:
To examine the degree of microvascular endothelial dysfunction in relation to classical cardiovascular risk factors, arterial stiffness, and numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs), in obese and normal-weight children.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study with 57 obese (15.2±1.4 years) and 30 normal-weight children (15.4±1.5 years). The principal outcome was microvascular endothelial function measured with peripheral arterial tonometry. Fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis and EMPs (CD31+/CD42b- particles) and EPCs (CD34+/KDR+/CD45dim/- cells) flow cytometry. Characteristics between groups were compared by use of the appropriate independent samples test; a stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of microvascular endothelial function.
Results:
Microvascular endothelial function was significantly impaired in obese children and inversely correlated with body mass index Z scores (r=-0.249; P=.021) and systolic blood pressure (r=-0.307; P=.004). The number of EPCs was significantly lower in obese children and correlated with endothelial function (r=0.250; P=.022), and the number of EMPs was significantly greater in obese children and correlated inversely with endothelial function (r=-0.255; P=.021). Multivariate analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure and numbers of circulating EPCs and EMPs are important determinants of endothelial function.
Conclusion:
Obese children demonstrate impaired endothelial microvascular function, increased arterial stiffness, fewer EPCs, and more EMPs. Besides systolic blood pressure, EPC and EMP counts independently predict the presence of microvascular endothelial dysfunction.
