Hematopoietic progenitor cells and restenosis after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) may attenuate the response to vascular injury by maintaining endothelial integrity and function. Our aim was to determine whether circulating HPC number and function correlate with restenosis after carotid endarterectomy. METHODS HPC number (CD34(+)/CD133(+) cells), early colony-forming units, migratory capacity, and senescence were analyzed in blood collected preoperatively, 1 day, and 6 weeks postoperatively. Mobilizing cytokine levels were also measured. Stenosis was assessed by duplex scanning. RESULTS HPC numbers (P<0.001) and early colony-forming unit count (P=0.001) fell rapidly 24 hours postoperatively. Restenosis at 6 months correlated negatively with the magnitude of postoperative falls in HPC numbers (R=-0.38, P=0.013) and early colony-forming unit counts (R=-0.42, P=0.008). The migratory capacity of preoperative HPCs correlated negatively with restenosis (R=-0.48, P=0.007). Preoperative SDF1 levels correlated with falls in HPC number (R=0.42, P=0.044) and early colony-forming unit counts (R=0.56, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS HPC function appears to be linked to the development of carotid artery restenosis after endarterectomy. These data support the concept that HPCs have a role in regulating remodeling of the injured arterial wall.