Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Isolation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Healthy Volunteers and Their Migratory Potential Influenced by Serum Samples After Cardiac Surgery
08:43

Isolation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Healthy Volunteers and Their Migratory Potential Influenced by Serum Samples After Cardiac Surgery

Published on: February 14, 2017

11.5K

Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Type 1 Diabetic Patients: Relation with Patients' Age and Disease

Adolfo Arcangeli1, Elena Lastraioli2, Barbara Piccini3

  • 1Diabetology Unit, Prato Hospital, Prato, Italy.

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|November 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Childhood/young type 1 diabetes patients have higher circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) than adults. These elevated cEPC levels may offer vascular protection in younger individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) play a role in vascular repair and are reportedly dysfunctional in DM patients.
  • Understanding cEPC levels in type 1 DM (T1DM) is crucial for assessing vascular health, especially in different age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the number of circulating cEPCs in type 1 DM patients across various ages and disease durations.
  • To investigate potential age-related differences in cEPC levels among T1DM patients without clinical vascular damage.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, prospective clinical study involving T1DM patients from two centers.
  • Quantification of cEPCs using flow cytometry, specifically identifying CD34/CD133/VEGFR2-positive cells within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Main Results:

  • cEPC counts were lower in adult T1DM patients but higher in childhood/young T1DM patients compared to age-matched controls.
  • Younger T1DM patients (<20 years) exhibited higher cEPC numbers than older patients, irrespective of disease duration.
  • A subset of young T1DM patients presented with notably elevated cEPC levels.

Conclusions:

  • A significant association exists between cEPC levels and age in T1DM patients, with younger individuals showing higher counts.
  • Elevated cEPCs in young T1DM patients may confer protection against endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage.
  • Lower cEPC levels in adult T1DM patients might correlate with a reduced capacity for vascular protection and a higher susceptibility to complications.
Abstract

Keywords:
diabetes durationendothelial progenitor cellsflow cytometrypatients’ agetype 1 diabetes mellitus

More Related Videos

Predicting Amputation using Local Circulating Mononuclear Progenitor Cells in Angioplasty-treated Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia07:25

Predicting Amputation using Local Circulating Mononuclear Progenitor Cells in Angioplasty-treated Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

Published on: September 22, 2020

3.8K
Author Spotlight: Understanding Retinal Vessel Resilience and Disease Progression04:36

Author Spotlight: Understanding Retinal Vessel Resilience and Disease Progression

Published on: January 12, 2024

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
426
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
3.8K
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.4K