Downregulation of ETS Rescues Diabetes-Induced Reduction of Endothelial Progenitor Cells
2009

How Diabetes Affects Blood Vessel Repair Cells

Sample size: 8 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Seeger Florian Hartmut, Chen Linping, Spyridopoulos Ioakim, Altschmied Joachim, Aicher Alexandra, Haendeler Judith

Primary Institution: University of Frankfurt

Hypothesis

Inhibition of ETS transcription factors can improve the number and function of vasculogenic progenitor cells in diabetes.

Conclusion

Diabetes leads to dysregulated activation of ETS transcription factors, which blocks the functional activity of progenitor cells and their commitment towards the endothelial cell lineage.

Supporting Evidence

  • High glucose levels increase apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells.
  • Inhibition of ETS1 expression rescues the reduction of progenitor cell number induced by high glucose.
  • Diabetes impairs the functional activity of progenitor cells.

Takeaway

Diabetes makes it harder for the body to repair blood vessels because it affects special cells that help with this process. By changing how certain proteins work, we can help these cells do their job better.

Methodology

The study involved isolating mononuclear cells from blood samples of healthy volunteers and diabetic patients, and using mouse models to analyze the effects of high glucose on progenitor cells.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in patient selection and the use of animal models that may not fully replicate human diabetes.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on specific signaling pathways and may not account for all factors affecting progenitor cell function in diabetes.

Participant Demographics

The study included healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes, with a mean age of 62 years for the diabetic group.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004529

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication