OBJECTIVETo study the function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and its relationship with serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) in children with Kawasaki disease.

METHODSTen children with Kawasaki disease and ten healthy children as a control group were enrolled. The peripheral mononuclear cells were induced into endothelial progenitor cells using Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium containing vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. The proliferative ability, migratory ability and adhesive ability of endothelial progenitor cells were assessed by MTT methods, modified Boyden chamber methods and cell culture plate adhesion method, respectively. The concentrations of serum Hs-CRP were measured by latex enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay.

RESULTSThe proliferative ability, migratory ability and adhesive ability of endothelial progenitor cells in the Kawasaki disease group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The serum concentrations of Hs-CRP in the Kawasaki disease group were significantly higher than those in the control group (87.1+/-30.2 mg/L vs 5.3+/-3.4 mg/L; P<0.01). The function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells was negatively correlated with serum concentrations of Hs-CRP in the Kawasaki disease group.

CONCLUSIONSThe function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells is decreased in children with Kawasaki disease, which may be associated with the abnormal expression of inflammatory mediators.