Objective: To investigate alterations of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from peripheral blood in patients with coronary heart diseases.
Methods: Twenty patients with coronary heart diseases (CHD) and 20 matched control subjects were included in the study. Total mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and then the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After cultured for 7 days, attached cells were cytochemically analyzed. EPCs were characterized as adherent cells double positive for DiLDL-uptake and lectin-binding by laser scanning confocal microscope with direct fluorescent staining. EPCs proliferation and migration were measured by MTT assay and modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. EPCs adhesion assay was performed by replating on fibronectin-coated dishes, then adherent cells were counted.
Results: The number of EPCs was significantly reduced in patients with CHD compared with that of age-matched control subjects (31.8+/-7.7 compared with 59.5 +/-10.6 EPCs/x 200 field; P<0.05). In addition, the functional activity of EPCs such as proliferation, migration and adhesive capacity was also impaired in patients with CHD.
Conclusion: EPCs number and functional activity are significantly decreased in patients with CHD.