Bone marrow mobilization with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor improves endothelial dysfunction and exercise capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease

Veerappan Subramaniyam, Edmund K. Waller, Jonathan R. Murrow, Amita Manatunga, Sagar Lonial, Karthikeswar Kasirajan, Diane Sutcliffe, Wayne Harris, W. Robert Taylor, R. Wayne Alexander, Arshed A. Quyyumi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: We hypothesized that granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) administration will be safe and will improve endothelial dysfunction and exercise capacity by mobilizing progenitor cells in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods: Forty-five patients with PAD received thrice-weekly injections for 2 weeks of 3, 6, or 10 μg/kg per day of GM-CSF or placebo in successive cohorts of 15 subjects randomized 2:1 to drug or placebo. CD34+ mononuclear cell subsets and colony formation assay, endothelial function, ankle-brachial index, and walking capacity were measured. Results: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor administration was safe. After pooling data from GM-CSF cohorts, at 2 weeks, there was a significant increase in total leukocytes (43%, P < .0001), CD34+ cells (46%, P = .035), and colony-forming units (31%, P = .026, week 1). At 12 weeks, endothelial function improved with GM-CSF (flow-mediated vasodilation increased by 59%, P < .01) as did pain-free treadmill walking time (38 seconds, P = .008) and total treadmill walking time (55 seconds, P = .016). Corresponding changes were not observed in the placebo group. Conclusions: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor therapy in patients with PAD was associated with mobilization of progenitor cells, improvement of endothelial dysfunction, and exercise capacity. The efficacy of strategies designed to mobilize bone marrow progenitors warrants further study in patients with PAD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-60.e1
JournalAmerican Heart Journal
Volume158
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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