Risk factors of atherosclerosis and saphenous vein endothelial function

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Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement
09:50

Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement

Published on: October 1, 2014

C Sessa1, M D Morasch, M Friedland

  • 1Department of Vascular Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.

International Angiology : a Journal of the International Union of Angiology
|September 5, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Saphenous vein endothelial function is impaired by atherosclerosis risk factors like diabetes and smoking. These factors can cause veins to release contracting factors, impacting cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Endothelial Function

Background:

  • Impaired vasomotor function is implicated in atherosclerosis pathophysiology.
  • Endothelial dysfunction may affect bypass graft patency.
  • Investigated atherosclerosis risk factors' influence on saphenous vein endothelial function in cardiovascular disease patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro effect of atherosclerosis risk factors on saphenous vein endothelial function.
  • To assess the contractile and relaxant responses of saphenous veins to various vasoactive agents.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 45 saphenous vein rings (intact and denuded endothelium).
  • Administered norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (Ach), histamine (H), and serotonin (5-HT).
  • Analyzed responses in relation to patient risk factors (diabetes, smoking, hypertension).

Main Results:

  • Norepinephrine caused increased contraction in diabetics, smokers, and hypertensive patients.
  • Acetylcholine response varied; relaxation was reduced in hypertensive and diabetic patients.
  • Histamine induced relaxation then contraction, with greater contraction in diabetics.
  • Serotonin caused contraction, unaffected by endothelial removal.
  • Evidence suggests endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF) release.

Conclusions:

  • Saphenous veins can secrete a contracting factor, particularly in patients with atherosclerosis risk factors and diabetes.
  • Mechanisms regulating the balance of endothelial relaxing and contracting factors require further investigation.
  • The source of vasoconstrictor substances from endothelial cells needs elucidation.
Abstract

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