Endothelial Cell Gene Networks of CVD

Endothelial Cell Gene Networks of CVD

The objective of this study is to identify relevant signature gene networks of cardiovascular disease in endothelial cells derived from circulating endothelial progenitor cells of individuals with established cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The investigators propose to enroll CVD and healthy subjects between 30 and 60 years of age, matched for age, gender, body mass index, and medication (statin and anti-hypertensive) use. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells will be isolated from blood and cultured in vitro to differentiate into endothelial cells.

Inclusion Criteria for CVD subjects::

• >50% stenosis of one or more coronary arteries

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy subjects:

• absence of coronary artery stenosis

Exclusion Criteria for all subjects:

• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• chronic kidney disease,
• other chronic diseases
• dyslipidemia (fasting plasma LDL-C >160 mg/dL and triglyceride levels >150 mg/dL)