Vitamin D (1,25-(OH)₂D₃) Improves Endothelial Progenitor Cells Function via Enhanced NO Secretion in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Figure 2

The number of circulating EPCs in the SLE patients and healthy controls. Evaluated by (a) FACS analysis and (b) phase-contrast fluorescent microscope, the number of circulating EPCs in SLE patients was lower than those in the control subjects. The migratory (c) and proliferative (d) activities of circulating EPCs in SLE patients were lower than those in the healthy control. Data are given as mean ± SD. ^#P<0.05 vs. control subjects.

(a)

(b)

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