Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Cardiomyocyte-like Cells
Published on: August 9, 2017
Left ventricular mass and progenitor cells in chronic heart failure patients
Antonio Michelucci1, Francesca Cesari, Giuseppe Ricciardi
1Section of Arrhythmology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy, antonio.michelucci@unifi.it.
Insights
Circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are linked to left ventricular remodeling in chronic heart failure patients. Lower EPC levels correlate with abnormal LV mass, suggesting a role in cardiac regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic heart failure (HF) is characterized by left ventricular (LV) remodeling.
- Progenitor cells, including circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), are implicated in tissue repair and regeneration.
- The specific role of CPCs and EPCs in LV remodeling within the context of HF requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).
- To determine if levels of CPCs and EPCs correlate with specific echocardiographic parameters of LV structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-five patients with chronic HF (NYHA class II-IV, LV ejection fraction ≤40%) were analyzed.
- Circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were quantified using flow cytometry.
- Echocardiographic parameters including LV ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (LVESV), LV mass, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were assessed, indexed for body surface area (BSA).
Main Results:
- All EPC populations showed a negative correlation with LV end-systolic volume/BSA and LV mass/BSA.
- CPCs were more abundant in women and less abundant in patients with ischemic heart disease.
- Lower EPC counts were associated with an increased likelihood of abnormal LV mass/BSA, with significantly lower EPCs and higher CPCs observed in patients with severely abnormal LV mass.
Conclusions:
- A correlation exists between left ventricular remodeling and progenitor cell levels in chronic heart failure.
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may play a role in mitigating adverse LV remodeling, potentially through mechanisms of cardiac regeneration.
- These findings highlight the potential of progenitor cells as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in HF management.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between circulating (CPCs) and endothelial (EPCs) progenitor cells and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in chronic heart failure (HF). 85 HF patients, ranging 29-89 years, 83.5% males, 45.9% ischemic, NYHA functional class II-IV, with a LV ejection fraction ≤40% were studied. LV ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic (LVESV) volumes, LV mass and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were evaluated, and, when indicated, indexed for body surface area (BSA). CPCs and EPCs number was assessed using flow cytometry. CPCs were defined as CD34+, CD133+ and CD34+/CD133+. EPCs, identified through their expression of KDR, were defined as CD34+/KDR+, CD133+/KDR+ and CD34+/CD133+/KDR+. All EPCs were negatively related to LVESV/BSA (r = -0.24, p = 0.02 for all EPC's populations), and to LVmass/BSA (CD34+KDR+; r = -0.30, p = 0.005; CD133+KDR+; r = -0.31, p = 0.004; CD34+CD133+KDR+; r = -0.29, p = 0.007). No differences in EPCs levels in relation to cardiovascular risk factors, medications, etiology, age or gender were observed. CPCs number was higher in women, and lower in ischemic patients. In logistic regression analyses, the low EPCs' number was associated with an increased likelihood of abnormal LVmass/BSA. CPCs proved to be higher and EPCs lower in patients with severely abnormal LVmass/BSA (gr/m(2), ≥122 in women and ≥149 in men). Our results suggest a correlation between LV remodeling and progenitor cells. This is noteworthy considering that it has been suggested that bone marrow-derived EPCs participate in cardiac regeneration and function recovery in the setting of progressive HF.
More Related Videos
12:48Induction of Endothelial Differentiation in Cardiac Progenitor Cells Under Low Serum Conditions
Published on: January 7, 2019
09:37Permanent Ligation of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery in Mice: A Model of Post-myocardial Infarction Remodelling and Heart Failure
Published on: December 2, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction