Senescence of fetal endothelial progenitor cell in pregnancy with idiopathic fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the change of count and the status of cellular senescence in fetal endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) obtained from the umbilical cord blood of women with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: Fetal EPCs were obtained from thirty five normal and thirty pregnant women with FGR. Each EPC was characterized and counted. EPC differentiation time and outgrowth endothelial cell (OEC) colony formation assay, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity assay, and telomerase activity assay were performed. Results: Fetal EPC counts were significantly decreased in the FGR group compared with normal controls. In the FGR group, the EPC differentiation time was prolonged, OEC colonies were much less formed, the staining intensity of SA-β-gal was relatively increased and the telomerase activity of EPCs was significantly decreased, compared with normal pregnancy (p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: The fetal EPCs in FGR pregnancies were decreased, functionally impaired and senescently altered.

Keywords::

• Endothelial progenitor cell
• fetal growth restriction
• senescence

Declaration of Interest: This study was supported by a faculty research grant of Yonsei University College of Medicine for 2007 (6-2007-0111).

Notice of correction:

This paper published online on 13 Mar 2012 contained an error in the research grant number quoted in the declaration of interest. The error has been corrected in this version of the paper. The authors and publisher would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused.