Abstract: Objective To investigates the relationship of markers and proliferation in vitro of CECs from CML patients. Methods CECs were sorted by MACS and cultured to be compared with HUVECs in biology feature. We also examined expression of bcr/abl fusion gene by fish in 12 CML patients. Results The cultured CECs and HUVECs had typical cobble-stone morphology; they could be identified by high level of CD146 and VWF. CECs derived from CML patients have higher level of CD34、KDR and CD133, and showed more increased proliferative potential as compared with HUVECs(P <0.05). In 12 CML patients, the positive rate of bcr/abl fusion gene in CECs was 10.77%. Higher expressions of bcr/abl fusion gene have positive correlation trend with progression of disease. Conclusion CECs in patients with CML were different from mature endothelial cells, they gained more increased proliferation by carrying bcr/abl fusion gene.

Key words: Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, bcr/abl Fusion Gene, Circulating endothelial cells