OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to observe the endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) related gene expression changes before and early after revascularization in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were taken from patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction 6 hours and 7 days after PCI and stenting. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by Ficoll-density centrifugation and cultured in M-199 medium. After 14 days culture, attaching cells incorporated DiI-acetylated low-density lipoprotein (EPCs) were collected and RNA was isolated by Trizol for microarray analysis on 24 genes associated with permissibility/vessel tone (angiotensin system: ACE, AGTR-1, AGTR-2; NO system: eNOS; prostacyclin system: COX-2; endothelin system: ET-1, ETA, ETB; superoxide anions system: SOD-1), angiogenesis (adhesion molecule: CDH5; growth factors and receptors: VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGF) and endothelial cell activation (adhesion molecules expression: ICAM1, ICAM2, ICAM3, PECAM-1, E-Selectin, L-Selection, VCAM1; change phenotype from antithrombotic to prothrombotic: tPA, uPA, PAI, vWF). VEGFR2, PECAM-1 and VE-cadherin positive cells were identified by flow cytometry.

RESULTEight gene expressions (AGTR-1, AGTR-2, COX-2, eNOS, ET-1, ETA, VEGF) were significantly downregulated 7 days post PCI compared to pre-PCI (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry results showed that VEGFR2 positive cells were also significantly reduced post PCI than that of before PCI (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPCI down-regulated endothelial progenitor cells related gene expressions in patients with acute myocardial infarction.