Change in Circulating Levels of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Sexual Function in Women With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Context: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are involved in the mechanisms of vascular repair and sexual function, are decreased in diabetic women compared with general population. Objective: This work aimed to investigate the circulating levels of EPCs and the change in sexual function during the menstrual cycle in women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) compared with healthy women. Methods: This case-control observational study was conducted at the Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at University Hospital "Luigi Vanvitelli"of Naples. Participants included 36 women with T1DM and 64 age-matched healthy controls. EPCs were quantified by flow cytometry and sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale. All assessments were made at the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases of the same menstrual cycle. Main outcome measures included differences in EPCs levels and sexual function between patients and controls. Results: Compared with controls, women with T1DM showed significantly lower levels of both CD34+(P