INTRODUCTION: Changes in circulating CD34+CD45low stem cells (SC) and CD34+CD45low+KDR+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) may reflect pathological endothelial activation. Non-pulsatile/continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) can enhance this process. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of 12-month CF-LVAD treatment on SC and EPC. METHODS: We analysed changes in SC and EPC from the pre-implantation period up until 12 months after implantation over 3-month intervals in 14 patients. Data from 12 patients with heart failure (HF) and from 13 healthy volunteers were used as controls. RESULTS: Baseline EPC were significantly higher in CF-LVAD and HF patients than in healthy controls, substantially decreasing 3 months after CF-LVAD implantation and then returning to high baseline values at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in circulating SC and EPC may reflect pathological endothelial activation after CF-LVAD implantation.

2nd Department of Surgery Department of Cardiovascular Surgery 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague Czech Republic

Department of Internal Medicine 2nd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Czech Republic

Department of Physiology 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine Prague Czech Republic

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