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Osteogenic circulating endothelial progenitor cells are linked to electrocardiographic conduction abnormalities in

Yap-Hang Chan1, Michael Cheong Ngai1, Yan Chen1,2

  • 1Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology : the Official Journal of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology, Inc
|April 25, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Elevated osteogenic endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) expressing osteocalcin (OCN+) are linked to cardiac conduction abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This finding suggests a new mechanism in cardiovascular degeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to cardiovascular degeneration via vasculature calcification.
  • The role of osteogenic EPCs in cardiac conduction disorders was previously unknown.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients exhibit increased risk for bone metabolism and cardiac conduction issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between osteocalcin (OCN)-expressing EPCs and cardiac conduction disorders in RA patients.
  • To explore a potential link between abnormal bone metabolism and cardiac electrical abnormalities in RA.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry analysis of 134 asymptomatic RA patients.
  • Quantification of osteogenic OCN-positive (OCN+) CD34+KDR+ EPCs and conventional CD34+CD133+KDR+ EPCs.
  • Assessment of electrocardiographic conduction abnormalities as the primary endpoint.

Main Results:

  • A significant elevation in OCN+ CD34+KDR+ EPCs was observed in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities (p=0.039).
  • Higher levels of OCN+ CD34+KDR+ EPCs (>75th percentile) were strongly associated with increased prevalence of conduction abnormalities (p=0.003).
  • Elevated OCN+ CD34+KDR+ EPCs remained an independent predictor of cardiac conduction abnormalities (OR=4.4, p=0.028), while conventional EPCs showed no significant association (p=0.36).

Conclusions:

  • Increased levels of osteogenic OCN+ CD34+KDR+ EPCs are independently associated with electrocardiographic conduction abnormalities in RA patients.
  • This study highlights a novel pathophysiological mechanism linking osteogenic EPCs to cardiac conduction disorders.
  • Osteogenic EPCs may represent a new therapeutic target for managing cardiovascular complications in RA.
Abstract

Keywords:
bone-vascular axiscalcificationconduction disordersosteocalcinosteogenic endothelial progenitor cellsrheumatoid arthritis

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