Platelets and circulating CD34-positive cells as an indicator of the activity of the vicious cycle between hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in elderly Japanese men

Abstract Background and aims The bi-directional association between hypertension and endothelial dysfunction (vicious cycle) is crucial for the development of cardiovascular disease. Since platelets and circulating CD34-positive cells have been reported to contribute to vascular repair (endothelial repair and the development of atherosclerosis), these two factors could act as an indicator for the activity of this vicious cycle. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 580 Japanese men aged 60–69 who underwent an annual health check-up. Since aggressive endothelial repair might cause consumptive reduction of circulating CD34-positive cells, subjects were stratified by circulating CD34-positive count (