Circulating endothelial microparticles correlate inversely with endothelial function in patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction.

Background: Bone-marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells (CD34+ and VEGFR2+ KDR+ EPC) and endothelial-derived microparticles (CD 31+Annexin V+, EMP; indicator for endothelial apoptosis) were examined in the peripheral blood of 35 male, clinically stable patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). The patients were divided in 2 groups, those with preserved or normal function (n = 17; EF 65 +/- 6%) and those with reduced left ventricular (LV) function (n = 18; EF 36 +/- 11%).

Methods And Results: The number of circulating EPCs was decreased by 25% (P = .

Hormonal status modulates circulating endothelial progenitor cells.

Objective: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may have an important role in vascular homeostasis and repair.

Methods: We examined the level of circulating EPCs in pre- (n = 22; mean age 28.7 years), and postmenopausal healthy females without (n = 30; mean age 61.

Endothelial function in the forearm circulation of patients with the metabolic syndrome--effect of different lipid-lowering regimens.

We compared the effect of statin therapy (either alone or combined with ezetimibe) on the inhibition of cholesterol resorption and endothelial function by measuring forearm blood flow in male patients with the metabolic syndrome. Compared to 40 mg atorvastatin alone, combination therapy with 10 mg ezetimibe and 10 mg atorvastatin for 8 weeks resulted in significantly decreased total serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels (n = 14). Endothelium-dependent, acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation was significantly better with combination therapy (p < 0.