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In Vitro Microfluidic Disease Model to Study Whole Blood-Endothelial Interactions and Blood Clot Dynamics in Real-Time
Published on: May 24, 2020
Endothelial dysfunction in haemophilia patients
M T Sartori1, F Bilora, E Zanon
12nd Chair Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy. mtsart@unipd.it
Summary
Haemophilia patients exhibit significant endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and reduced tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) release. Cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent, and viral infections may contribute to vascular damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Haemophilia patients are susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, despite their clotting defect.
- The complete impact of haemophilia on atherosclerosis and its complications is not fully understood.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key early event in atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged haemophilia patients.
- To assess for the presence of endothelial dysfunction in this population.
- To explore potential contributing factors to vascular damage.
Main Methods:
- Studied 40 haemophilia patients (A and B) and 40 healthy controls.
- Measured flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid ultrasound intima-media thickness (IMT).
- Assessed cardiovascular risk factors, including lipids, glucose, and inflammatory markers; viral infections were also screened.
Main Results:
- 87.5% of patients had at least one cardiovascular risk factor; 47.5% had two or more.
- All patients demonstrated significantly impaired FMD, with reduced t-PA release in 70%.
- Impaired FMD was more pronounced in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and/or HIV infection.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilia patients exhibit endothelial dysfunction, evidenced by impaired FMD and t-PA release.
- Cardiovascular risk factors are common in this cohort.
- Chronic viral infections may play a role in the observed endothelial damage.
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