Effects of simvastatin and rosiglitazone on endothelial progenitor cells

Objective To investigate the effects of simvastatin and rosiglitazone on the proliferation,differentiation, migration and colony formation of endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs).Methods Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation,and were planted on fibronectin-coatedplates and cultured in EBM-2 medium(supplemented with EGM-2 singleQuots).The proliferation,migration and colony formation of EPCs were assayed with MTT assay,modified Boyden chamber assay,and methylcellulose medium cultured respectively.After 7 days of culture,the effects of simvastatin and rosiglitazone on the differentiation of EPCs were identified by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.Results The proliferation and colony formation of EPCs were elevated in both groups.The migration of EPCs was elevated only in simvastatin group.Both groups could promote the differentiation of EPCs.However,EPCs in rosiglitazone group showed more differentiation to endotheliocytes,while EPCs in simvastatin group showed more differentiation to smooth muscle cells.Conclusion Both simvastatin and rosiglitazone can enhance the proliferation and differentiation of EPCs.