Imbalance between the circulating endothelium-derived apoptotic microparticles and the endothelial colony-forming units of progenitor cells in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The involvement of the circulating endothelium-derived microparticles (EMPs) and the endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The current study aimed to explore whether the Friesinger index is associated with the levels of the apoptotic CD144þ/CD31þ/ annexin Vþ EMPs and the number of endothelial colony-forming units of progenitor cells in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Patients and METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with a median age of 62 years (range 48­84 years) were enrolled. Quantification of the apoptotic CD144þ/CD31þ/annexin Vþ EMPs was performed by flow cytometry. The number of endothelial colony-forming units defined by CFU-Hill was assessed by cell culture. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the Friesinger index and the circulating levels of the apoptotic CD144þ/CD31þ/annexin Vþ EMPs (rho»0.817, p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate or severe CAD is associated with increased levels of apoptotic EMPs and reduced EPC colony-forming capacity, increasing the occurrence of endothelial injuries.