Expression of stromal-cell-derived factor-1 on circulating platelets is increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome and correlates with the number of CD34+ progenitor cells

Aims Previous experimental studies have suggested that platelet stromal-cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) regulates mobilization and recruitment of haematopoietic progenitor cells supporting revascularization in mice. However, there are no clinical data available regarding platelet-bound SDF-1 in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the platelet-surface expression of SDF-1 in patients with ACS. Methods and results Patients with ACS ( n = 418) showed a significantly enhanced SDF-1 expression on admission compared with those with stable angina pectoris (SAP, n = 486) [SAP (mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ± SD): 13.48 ± 5.27; ACS: 18.45 ± 12.85; P < 0.001) independent of cardiovascular risk factors and medication. Enhanced platelet-bound SDF-1 expression was found in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF