Peripheral EPCs, assessed as CD34 + cells co-expressing CD133 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, were studied in 76 CAD patients (mean age, 69.2 ± 11.3 years) with DM. Serum 1,5-AG, EPA, and AA levels were measured.
EPC numbers showed a significant association with 1,5-AG and HbA1c (r = 0.290; p = 0.037 and r = − 0.328; p = 0.011, respectively). In addition, there were significant associations between EPC numbers and EPA and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.354; p = 0.027 and r = − 0.402; p = 0.002, respectively). In multiple linear regression analysis, HbA1c, BMI, and EPA values had significant associations with EPC numbers (β = − 0.316, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.256 to − 0.008, p = 0.037; β = − 0.413, 95% CI − 0.099 to − 0.017, p = 0.007; and β = 0.400, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.002, p = 0.010, respectively).
EPC number is associated with HbA1c, 1,5-AG, EPA, and BMI values, suggesting that postprandial hyperglycemia and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contribute to EPC recruitment in CAD patients with type 2 DM.