The change and effect of endothelial progenitor cells in pig with multiple organ dysfunction syndromes

INTRODUCTION: The dysfunction and decrease of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may play a very important role in the initiation of organ dysfunction caused by trauma or severe sepsis. We aim to measure the number and function of EPCs in the progression of multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) caused by severe sepsis, which may help to understand the pathogenesis of MODS by the changing of EPCs. METHODS: A total of 40 pigs were randomly divided into two groups, which were subjected to hemorrhagic shock, resuscitation and endotoxemia (experimental group, n = 20) or acted as a control (control group, n = 20). The number and function of EPCs including adhesive, migratory and angiogenesis capacities were analyzed at different times in both groups. RESULTS: All the animals in the experimental group developed MODS (100%) and 17 of 20 animals (85%) died due to MODS; the incidence of MODS and death of the animals in the control group were 0% (P < 0.01). The number, migratory and adhesive capacities of EPCs decreased sharply in the animals of the experimental group corresponding to the increasing severities of MODS, but the angiogenesis function increased gradually until death. The decrease in function of EPCs preceded the decrease in number of EPCs. The decrease in number and function of EPCs occurred prior to the occurrence of MODS. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, it was observed that the number and function of EPCs decreased sharply in the progression of MODS and that it was prior to the occurrence of MODS. The decrease in number and function of EPCs may be one of the main pathogenic factors of MODS.