Endothelial progenitor cells, atheroma burden and clinical outcome in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract

Traditional EPC populations, CD34(+)VEGFR-2(+) and CD34(+)VEGFR-2(+)CD133(+) are not related to the extent of CAD or clinical outcome. However, CD34(+)CD45(-) cells are increased in patients with CAD and predict future cardiovascular events. It is likely that CD34(+)CD45(-) concentrations reflect the extent of vascular injury and atheroma burden.