Evaluation of the circulating CD34(+), CD309(+), and endothelial progenitor cells in patients with first attack of optic neuritis

BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are present in circulation and contribute to vasculogenesis in adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the number of circulating EPCs in patients with optic neuritis (ON). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with ON were diagnosed by expert neurologist and optometrist at the Feiz Hospital, Isfahan, Iran (2012–2013). Blood samples were collected from ON patients in the first attack. The number of EPCs was measured by flow cytometry through the assessment of CD34(+) and CD309(+) in patients and healthy individuals. RESULTS: With using flow cytometry, CD34(+) and CD309(+) cells detected in peripheral blood cells of patients (n = 50) with ON, and healthy individuals (n = 30). Patients with ON had (mean = 66.71 ± 17.82) CD34(+) and CD309(+) cells compared with healthy controls (mean = 28.72 ± 22.46). In addition, there was no significant difference in CD309(+) cells in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed elevated CD34(+) and CD309(+) cells in the early stage of the disease. Regarded to EPC increment in neural repair, it expected the EPC level be increased in these patients, but no detectable differences were observed among both markers in healthy and patient with first attack.