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