The decrease of endothelial progenitor cells caused by high altitude may lead to coronary heart disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Cell Biology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant global health concern.
• Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a crucial role in vascular repair and endothelial function.
• Factors influencing EPC levels and their association with CHD require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the number of EPCs and the presence of CHD.
• To explore potential environmental influences, such as high altitude, on EPC levels and CHD risk.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 24 CHD patients and 24 matched healthy controls from Lanzhou and Xianyang cities.
• Measurement of EPC counts.
• Assay of serum biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), homocysteine (Hcy), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1α).

Main Results:

• EPC numbers were significantly lower in CHD patients compared to controls.
• Higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL, and CRP were observed in the CHD group.
• Specific biomarker profiles differed between the two cities, with variations in IL-8, VEGF, HIF-1α, and Hcy levels.
• A negative correlation was found between EPC count and hs-CRP in the Lanzhou CHD group.

Conclusions:

• Reduced EPC levels may be associated with an increased risk of developing CHD.
• Environmental factors, potentially high altitude, might contribute to EPC reduction and subsequent cytokine dysregulation, promoting CHD.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking EPCs, environmental factors, and CHD pathogenesis.