Markopoulou P, Papanikolaou E, Loukopoulou S, et al. - Given that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) ensure vascular integrity, normal endothelial function, and neovascularization, researchers conducted this investigation to examine the EPCs counts in peripheral blood beyond infancy in children born prematurely. The sample consisted of 136 prepubertal children [63 preterm and 73 born at term (controls)]. Circulating CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45(−) and CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45dim EPCs have been measured in preterm-born children compared with controls. Compared with controls, circulating CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45(−) and CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45dim EPCs were significantly higher in preterm-born children. Compared with peers born full-term, circulating EPCs have been increased in prepubertal preterm-born children. A decrease in EPCs was associated with maternal gestational diabetes.