FoxO3a and miR-34a-3p Are Involved in Oxidative Stress-Induced Dysfunction of Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to endothelial repair and neovascularization, and EPC dysfunction is closely associated with oxidative stress-related vascular injury. Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) regulates cellular stress responses, whereas miR-34a has been implicated in endothelial dysfunction, senescence, and apoptosis. However, the relationship between FoxO3a and miR-34a-3p in oxidatively injured EPCs remains incompletely defined. Objective: This study investigated the role of FoxO3a in H2O2-induced EPC dysfunction and examined whether miR-34a-3p directly interacts with the FoxO3a 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Methods: Human umbilical cord blood-derived EPCs were