Aim: The relationship was investigated between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) level and arterial functions in the convalescence of Kawasaki disease (KD).
Methods: Sixty-three children were divided into coronary artery lesion (CAL) group (group 1, n = 21), non-CAL group (group 2, n = 20) and control group (group 3, n = 22). EPCs were examined by flow cytometry and arterial functions (flow-mediated dilation [FMD], carotid artery stiffness index [SI]) were measured by ultrasound.
Results: From group 1 to group 3, FMD was 4.5%+/- 1.5%, 9.5%+/- 2.8% and 12.1%+/- 2.3% (p < 0.01 between any two groups); carotid artery SI was 4.10 +/- 0.44, 3.81 +/- 0.50 and 3.59 +/- 0.46 (group 1 vs. group 2, p < 0.05; group 1 vs. group 3, p < 0.01; group 2 vs. group 3, p = 0.142) and the number of EPCs was 2.0 +/- 0.6/microL, 4.2 +/- 0.8/microL, 4.5 +/- 0.7/microL (p < 0.01 for group 1 vs. group 2 and group 1 vs. group 3; group 2 vs. group 3, p = 0.292). Multiple linear regressions analysis and correlation analysis identified that FMD and carotid artery SI were significant determinants of EPCs level and were all independently correlated with EPCs level.
Conclusions: Our results indicate decreased EPCs are associated with arterial dysfunction in patients with CAL in the convalescence of KD. Our findings suggest EPCs may have a role in alteration of arterial functions.