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Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Published on: October 22, 2014
Influencing factors of vascular endothelial function in patients with non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis: a
Yin-Ping Li1, Zhen-Xing Fan2, Jing Gao2
1Department of Nephrology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China.
Insights
Endothelial dysfunction is common in non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis. Improving endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and lowering serum creatinine can enhance vascular endothelial function in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Science
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a significant factor in non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis.
- This study investigates vascular endothelial function and its determinants in affected patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vascular endothelial function in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis.
- To identify factors influencing endothelial function and its improvement.
Main Methods:
- 131 patients with non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis were enrolled.
- Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured at baseline and 1-year follow-up.
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were quantified using flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Lower baseline FMD was associated with higher systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and HbA1c.
- Baseline FMD showed a negative correlation with EPC counts and systolic blood pressure.
- A significant increase in FMD was observed at 1-year follow-up, with elevated EPC counts and decreased serum creatinine predicting improvement.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension and elevated HbA1c are risk factors for endothelial dysfunction in this patient group.
- Increased EPC counts and reduced serum creatinine levels are key predictors of improved endothelial function.
Background:
Endothelial dysfunction may play a key role in non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the vascular endothelial function and its influencing factors in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis.
Methods:
A total of 131 consecutive patients with non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis were enrolled. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were counted by staining the fasting venous blood with antibodies against CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2.
Results:
Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and the levels of HbA1c in participants with baseline FMD < 6% (n = 65) were significantly higher than those with baseline FMD ≥ 6% (n = 66). Baseline FMD was negatively associated with EPC counts (r = - 0.199, P < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure (r = - 0.315, P < 0.01). The 1-year FMD was significantly increased compared to the baseline FMD [(9.31 ± 5.62) % vs (7.31 ± 5.26) %, P < 0.001]. Independent predictors of FMD improvement included elevated EPC counts (OR = 1.104, 95% CI: 1.047-1.165, P < 0.001) and decreased levels of serum creatinine (OR = 0.915, 95% CI: 0.843-0.993, P = 0.034).
Conclusions:
Family history of premature cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, elevated systolic pressure, and HbA1c > 6.5% are independent risk factors for endothelial dysfunction in non-obstructive atherosclerotic patients. Elevated peripheral blood EPC counts and decreased levels of serum creatinine are independent predictors of endothelial function improvement.
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