Our data demonstrate decreased EPC levels in diabetic patients and, for the first time, show that PVD is associated with an extensively low number of EPCs. Depletion of circulating EPCs in diabetic patients may be involved in the pathogenesis of peripheral vascular complications.

Objective-Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a threatening complication of diabetes. As endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in neovasculogenesis and maintenance of vascular homeostasis, their impairment may have a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vasculopathy. This study aimed to establish whether number and function of EPCs correlate with PAD severity in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods and Results-EPCs were defined by the expression of CD34, CD133 and KDR, and quantified by flow cytometry in 127 diabetic patients with and without PAD. PAD severity has been assessed as carotid atherosclerosis and clinical stage of leg atherosclerosis obliterans. Diabetic patients with PAD displayed a significant 53% reduction in circulating EPCs versus non-PAD patients, and EPC levels were negatively correlated with the degree of carotid stenosis and the stage of leg claudication. Moreover, the clonogenic and adhesion capacity of cultured EPCs were significantly lower in diabetic patients with PAD versus patients without. Conclusions-This

We can conclude, with the power limitation of the study, that PAA treatment can be safely performed by using either OR or ET. ET has several advantages, such as quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay.

Rationale: Acquisition of a procalcific phenotype by resident or circulating cells is important for calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, which is common in diabetes.Objective: We aim to identify and characterize circulating calcifying cells, and to delineate a pathophysiological role for these cells in type 2 diabetes. Methods and Results: