BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) involved in endothelial repair and maintenance are restored following renal transplantation. There are scarce data regarding EPC in Asian kidney allograft patients. AIM: We determined the EPC numbers in Thai renal allograft patients to compare with various other parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The EPC numbers which were verified as CD 133+/VEGFR-2 cells in peripheral blood of 38 renal transplant recipients were measured by flow cytometry, and by a cell culture assay using acetylated low-density lipoprotein and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 immunofluorescence. Renal function calculated as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was obtained by the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. RESULTS: Renal allograft patients had lower EPC numbers than normal controls (P < .05). The EPC numbers showed a significant correlation with renal allograft function (P < .05). Recipients with stable eGFR at 12 months of follow-up displayed significantly greater EPC numbers at baseline compared with those subjects who experienced a decline in eGFR (P < .05). Recipients using angiotensin receptor blockers had greater EPC numbers at baseline and better 12-month renal allograft function (P < .05). CONCLUSION: EPC numbers may influence the fate of renal allograft function. Enhancing EPC numbers may be a new strategy to improve long term renal allograft function.

Department of Medicine Division of Nephrology King Chulalongkorn Hospital Bangkok Thailand

Endothelial progenitor cells in Asian kidney transplant patients

Komentář [k článku Endoteliální progenitorové buňky u Asiatů po transplantaci ledviny].