Residential Proximity to Major Roadways Is Associated With Increased Levels of AC133 ⁺ Circulating Angiogenic Cells

Abstract

Living close to a major roadway is associated with elevated levels of circulating cells positive for the early stem marker AC133(+). This may reflect an increased need for vascular repair. Levels of these cells in peripheral blood may be a sensitive index of cardiovascular injury because of residential proximity to roadways.