CD34+CD133+CD309+ circulating angiogenic cell level is reduced but positively related to hydroxychloroquine use in SLE patients-a case-control study and meta-regression analysis.

SLE patients had a significantly lower CD34+CD133+CD309+ CAC level than HC, and HCQ use was associated with a more discrepant CAC level between SLE patients and HC. This study triggers further observational, interventional and mechanistic studies to address the beneficial impact of HCQ on the functionality of CAC in SLE patients.