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Published on: February 20, 2015
Chronic venous insufficiency is associated with elevated level of circulating microparticles
A Georgescu1, N Alexandru, D Popov
1Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, 'Nicolae Simionescu', Bucharest, Romania. adriana.georgescu@icbp.ro
Background:
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) results when the veins in the legs no longer pump blood back to the heart effectively. Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane vesicles released by several circulating and vascular cells upon activation or apoptosis.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to assess the subpopulations of circulating endothelial (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) in CVI, and to disclose their contribution in mediating dysfunction of human peripheral venules.
Patients And Methods:
Human peripheral venules were explanted during leg surgery on patients with CVI and on control subjects (C); concurrently, blood samples were collected and circulating MPs isolated. The techniques used were: flow cytometry, fluorescence and electron microscopy, myograph technique and western-blotting technique.
Results:
The results showed that compared with controls, patients with CVI had: (i) a marked elevation of circulating EMPs and PMPs; (ii) a structural modification of the venous wall consisting of activation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, an abundance of intermediary filaments and synthesis of hyperplasic-multilayered basal lamina; (iii) a significantly altered reactivity of the venous wall, closely associated with EMPs and PMPs adherence; (iv) altered contractile response to noradrenaline, acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and KCl, and an impeded relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside; and (iv) a substantially increased protein expression of tissue factor (TF) and of P-Selectin both in the venular vascular wall and on the surface of EMPs and PMPs.
Conclusions:
The findings indicate that CVI is accompanied by an enhanced release of EMPs and PMPs that contribute to altered dysfunctional response of the venous wall.
Insights
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) involves elevated levels of endothelial (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs), which contribute to vein wall dysfunction. These microparticles play a key role in the altered venous response seen in CVI patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) impairs effective blood return from the legs to the heart.
- Microparticles (MPs) are vesicles released by activated or apoptotic vascular and circulating cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) in CVI patients.
- To determine the role of EMPs and PMPs in human peripheral venule dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Explantation of human peripheral venules from CVI patients and controls.
- Blood sample collection and isolation of circulating MPs.
- Utilized flow cytometry, microscopy, myography, and western blotting.
Main Results:
- CVI patients exhibited elevated circulating EMPs and PMPs compared to controls.
- Observed structural venous wall modifications and altered reactivity associated with MP adherence.
- Demonstrated impaired contractile and relaxation responses in CVI venules, with increased TF and P-Selectin expression.
Conclusions:
- CVI is characterized by increased release of EMPs and PMPs.
- These microparticles significantly contribute to the altered and dysfunctional venous wall response in CVI.
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