ObjectiveEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) originate from hematopoietic stem cells and can be quantified in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. The anti-GM-CSFα antibody (CD116) may serve as a specific marker for EPC enumeration. This study aimed to quantify peripheral EPCs expressing CD116 and compare the results with other specific antibodies in newborns and adults.Materials and MethodsEPC enumeration was performed by flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) obtained from 50 individuals, including 25 newborns and 25 adults. A CD34-specific antibody was used to identify hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, while an antibody panel consisting of CD116, CD146, CD31, and CD45 was employed for EPC identification.ResultsEnumeration of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) demonstrated that the mean CD34+ HPC count per 106 PBLs was 1643 (935-1458) in newborns and 242.7 (163-190) in adults, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p 6 PBLs was 94.2 (90.5-129.0) in newborns and 9.2 (7.4-12.4) in adults (p p p < 0.001).ConclusionEPC numbers are significantly higher in newborns than in adults, suggesting an important developmental role for these cells. The GM-CSFα-specific antibody (CD116) may serve as a novel auxiliary marker for the identification and quantification of circulating EPCsubpopulations. Furthermore, EPC numbers appear to vary across different life stages, with higher numbers in newborns potentially reflecting the presence of a highly regenerative microenvironment.
Şimşek et al. (Wed,) studied this question.