Endothelial progenitor cells (
EPC) contribute to repair and maintenance of the vascular system, but in patients with
chronic kidney disease (CKD), the number and function of
EPC may be affected by kidney dysfunction. We assessed numbers and the angiogenic function of
EPC from patients with CKD in relation to
disease progression. In a cross-sectional, prospective study, 50 patients with varying degrees of CKD, including 20 patients undergoing dialysis and 10 healthy controls, were included. Mononuclear cells were isolated, and circulating
EPC were quantified by flow cytometry based on expression of CD14 and CD34.
EPC were cultured on
fibronectin-coated supramolecular films of oligocaprolactone under angiogenic conditions to determine their angiogenic capacity and future use in regenerative medicine. CKD patients had normal numbers of circulating CD14+
EPC but reduced numbers of circulating CD34+
EPC. Furthermore,
EPC from patients with CKD displayed functional impairments, i.e., hampered adherence, reduced endothelial outgrowth potential, and reduced antithrombogenic function. These impairments were already observed at stage 1 CKD and became more apparent when CKD progressed. Dialysis treatment only partially ameliorated
EPC impairments in patients with CKD. In conclusion,
EPC number and function decrease with advancing CKD, which may hamper physiological vascular repair and can add to the increased risk for
cardiovascular diseases observed in CKD patients.