# Beneficial influence of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on the endothelium in relation to endothelial repair

## TL;DR

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol may help repair blood vessels in people with low stem cell activity.

## Contribution

LDLc shows a beneficial effect on endothelial health in individuals with low endothelial repair activity.

## Key findings

- LDLc levels were inversely correlated with CAVI in individuals with low CD34-positive cells.
- LDLc positively correlated with CD34-positive cell levels in those with low endothelial repair activity.
- No significant correlations were found in individuals with high CD34-positive cell levels.

## Abstract

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) is regarded as a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. However, LDLc stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (CD34-positive cells), which contribute to endothelial repair. Therefore, LDLc may have a beneficial influence on the endothelium of individuals with lower endothelial repair activity.

This cross-sectional study included 245 men aged 60–69 years. Endothelial repair activity was categorized by the circulating levels of CD34-positive cells based on median values. The status of endothelium was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

Among individuals with low levels of circulating CD34-positive cells, LDL-c levels were significantly inversely correlated with CAVI and positively correlated with circulating CD34-positive cells. No significant correlations were observed among the participants with high levels of circulating CD34-positive cells. Among low levels of CD34-positive cells, the adjusted standardized parameter (β) and p value were −0.24 (p = 0.021) for CAVI and 0.41 (p < 0.001) for CD34-positive cells, whereas among high levels of CD34-positive cells, the corresponding values were 0.03 (p = 0.738) and −0.09 (p = 0.355).

LDLc has a beneficial influence on endothelial health among individuals with low endothelial repair activity, possibly by stimulating the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells.