Endothelial Progenitor Cell Levels Predict Future Physical Function: An Exploratory Analysis From the VA Enhanced...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cell Biology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) decrease with aging and injury, impacting physical function.
• The relationship between CPCs and long-term physical capabilities remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between CPC levels and future physical function.
• To determine if CPCs predict changes in physical function over time.

Main Methods:

• CPCs (CD133+, CD34+, ALDH activity) were measured in 117 participants with impaired glucose tolerance.
• Physical function was assessed via gait speed, walk distance, chair stands, and SF-36 scores at baseline, 3, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline CPC levels (CD133+, CD34+, CD133+CD34+, ALDH(br)) predicted faster gait speed and longer 6-minute walk distances at 3 and 12 months.
• These associations were independent of interventions and robust after covariate adjustment.
• Elevated CPCs also predicted greater improvements in gait speed over 1 year.

Conclusions:

• Baseline CPC levels correlate with current mobility and predict future physical function, including gait speed.
• CPC measurement may serve as a biomarker for physiological aging and functional decline.