Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells in Young Adults Born Preterm: A Novel Link Between Neonatal Complications and Adult Risks for Cardiovascular Disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preterm birth is linked to cardiovascular risks and diseases. Endothelial progenitor cells play a critical role in vascular development and repair. Cord blood endothelial progenitor cells of preterm-born infants, especially endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC), show enhanced susceptibility to prematurity-related pro-oxidant stress. Whether ECFC dysfunction is present in adulthood following preterm birth is unknown.

Methods and results

This cross-sectional observational study includes 55 preterm-born (≤29 gestational weeks) young adults (18-29 years old, 38% male) and 55 sex- and age-matched full-term controls. ECFC were isolated from peripheral blood; cell proliferative and vascular cord formation capacities were assessed in vitro. Daytime systolic blood pressu

SUBMITTER: Bertagnolli M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6064846 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature