Haematopoietic and endothelial progenitor cells are deficient in quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to vascular regeneration and repair, thereby protecting against atherosclerotic disease. EPCs are derived from CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which have an increased propensity for apoptosis in the bone marrow of patients with SLE.

Aim

To determine whether circulating HSCs and EPCs are reduced in SLE, contributing to an increased cardiovascular risk.

Methods

Progenitor cells were sampled from 15 female patients with SLE in prolonged clinical remission from their disease and 15 matched healthy controls. HSC and CD34+KDR+ EPCs were quantified by flow cytometry. Annexin V staining was used to ide

SUBMITTER: Westerweel PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1955125 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature