Circulating Stem Cells Associate With Adiposity and Future Metabolic Deterioration in Healthy Subjects

Context: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with mild leukocytosis, but whether hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) play a role in metabolic deterioration is unknown. Objective: Our objective was to analyze the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between CD34+ HSPCs, adiposity, and metabolic syndrome features. Design: This is a cross-sectional study on 242 participants, 155 of whom were followed and included in a longitudinal assessment. Setting: This study took place in a tertiary referral center for metabolic diseases. Participants: Healthy working individuals attending a cardiovascular screening program (total n = 3158) and having a baseline measure of circulating CD34+ cells participated. Main Outcome Measures: We collected demographic and anthropometric data, cardiovascular risk factors, and metabolic syndrome parameters. Results: Participants (34.7% males, mean age 45.9 ± 0.5 years) were free from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Cross-sectionally, absolute CD34+ cel...