Endothelial progenitor cells mobilisation after percutaneous coronary intervention: a pilot study

Background: The mobilisation process of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) after stent implantation by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear because the circulating EPC levels are influenced by several pathophysiological factors. The objective was to analyse the kinetics of EPC concentration following elective PCI in patients with stable angina, and its relation with other biomarkers or parameters of cardiovascular function. Methods: Pilot study in stable angina patients (n = 30) for elective PCI and implantation of bare-metal stent (BMS), drug-eluting stent (DES) or EPC-capturing stent (ECS). Samples were taken at baseline, 6 h, 24 h and 6 months after PCI for biochemical analysis and EPC quantification by flow cytometry. Results: Baseline EPC levels, quantified in peripheral blood, were related with the extent of the coronary lesion and the percentage of stenosis. EPC concentration increased 6 hours after PCI in relation with plasma C-reactive protein concentration and returned to basal levels after 24 hours post-PCI. Conclusions: Baseline EPC levels are related with the extension of the lesion and stenosis whereas the kinetics of EPC mobilization showed to be related with C-reactive protein concentration. Endothelial activation seems to occur in response to EPC mobilization or vascular damage by PCI.