Beneficial influence of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on the endothelium in relation to endothelial repair

Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) is regarded as a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. However, LDLc stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (CD34-positive cells), which contribute to endothelial repair. Therefore, LDLc may have a beneficial influence on th...

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Main Authors: Yuji Shimizu, Shin-Ya Kawashiri, Hirotomo Yamanashi, Seiko Nakamichi, Naomi Hayashida, Yasuhiro Nagata, Takahiro Maeda
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Komiyama Printing Co. Ltd 2025-04-01
Series:Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ehpm/30/0/30_24-00332/_html/-char/en
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Summary:Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) is regarded as a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. However, LDLc stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (CD34-positive cells), which contribute to endothelial repair. Therefore, LDLc may have a beneficial influence on the endothelium of individuals with lower endothelial repair activity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 245 men aged 60–69 years. Endothelial repair activity was categorized by the circulating levels of CD34-positive cells based on median values. The status of endothelium was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). Results: Among individuals with low levels of circulating CD34-positive cells, LDL-c levels were significantly inversely correlated with CAVI and positively correlated with circulating CD34-positive cells. No significant correlations were observed among the participants with high levels of circulating CD34-positive cells. Among low levels of CD34-positive cells, the adjusted standardized parameter (β) and p value were −0.24 (p = 0.021) for CAVI and 0.41 (p < 0.001) for CD34-positive cells, whereas among high levels of CD34-positive cells, the corresponding values were 0.03 (p = 0.738) and −0.09 (p = 0.355). Conclusion: LDLc has a beneficial influence on endothelial health among individuals with low endothelial repair activity, possibly by stimulating the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells.
ISSN:1342-078X
1347-4715