Decreased Number and Impaired Functionality of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: Implications for Increased Cardiovascular Risk

摘要

ObjectiveMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by low-grade inflammation and confers an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a measure of vascular health and are decreased in patients with various risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a paucity of data examining the EPC status especially in terms of their functionality in MetS subjects without diabetes or cardiovascular disease. We aimed to enumerate and functionally characterize EPCs in subjects with MetS in comparison to healthy controls.