Circulating Stem/Progenitor Cells as Prognostic Biomarkers in Macro- and Microvascular Disease: A Narrative Review of Prospective Observational Studies

Title:Circulating Stem/Progenitor Cells as Prognostic Biomarkers in Macro- and Microvascular Disease: A Narrative Review of Prospective Observational Studies

Volume: 25 Issue: 35

Author(s): Mauro Rigato and Gian Paolo Fadini*

Affiliation:

• Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova,Italy

Keywords: Endothelial progenitor cells, biomarkers, cardiovascular disease, microangiopathy, CPCs, bone marrow.

Abstract: Background: Circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are immature cells involved in vascular repair and related to many aspects of macro and microvascular disease.

Objective: We aimed to review studies reporting the prognostic role of CPCs/EPCs measurement on development of cardiovascular disease and microangiopathy.

Methods and Results: We reviewed the English language literature for prospective observational studies reporting the future development of cardiovascular disease or microangiopathy in patients having a baseline determination of CPCs/EPCs. We retrieved 34 studied reporting on cardiovascular outcomes and 2 studies reporting on microvascular outcomes. Overall, a reduced baseline level of CPCs/EPCs was associated with a significant increased risk of cardiovascular events, all-cause death, and onset/progression of microangiopathy. The most predictive phenotypes were CD34+ and CD34+CD133+. The main limitation was related to the high heterogeneity among studies in terms of patient characteristics and cell phenotypes.

Conclusion: The present review shows that a reduced level of circulating progenitor cells is a risk factor for the development of future cardiovascular events and death. In addition, low CPCs/EPCs levels predict the onset or worsening of microalbuminuria and retinopathy in diabetic patients.

Cite this article as:

Rigato Mauro and Fadini Paolo Gian *, Circulating Stem/Progenitor Cells as Prognostic Biomarkers in Macro- and Microvascular Disease: A Narrative Review of Prospective Observational Studies, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2018; 25 (35) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867324666170920154020