Circulating CD34+ cells and active arterial wall thickening among elderly men: A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Gerontology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Aging involves inflammation and oxidative stress, impacting endothelial repair via CD34+ cells.
• Aggressive repair can paradoxically reduce CD34+ cells, potentially leading to hypertension.
• The link between circulating CD34+ cells and arterial thickening in aging is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively investigate the association between circulating CD34+ cell counts and active arterial wall thickening in elderly men.
• To determine if hypertension status modifies this association.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 363 men aged 60-69 years with at least two health check-ups between 2014-2017.
• Measurement of circulating CD34+ cell counts.
• Assessment of active arterial wall thickening, analyzed with and without stratification for hypertension.

Main Results:

• A significant positive association was found between circulating CD34+ cell count and active arterial wall thickening in men without hypertension (OR 1.83).
• No significant association was observed in men with hypertension (OR 0.69).

Conclusions:

• Circulating CD34+ cells are positively linked to arterial wall thickening in elderly men without hypertension.
• This suggests hypertension may alter the role of CD34+ cells in vascular remodeling.
• The findings contribute to understanding endothelial repair mechanisms in aging and cardiovascular disease.