Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement
Published on: October 1, 2014
In vitro effect of calcium dobesilate on oxidative/inflammatory stress in human varicose veins
O Alda1, M S Valero, D Pereboom
1Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Zaragoza, Spain.
Aim:
To determine whether calcium dobesilate can act in chronic venous insufficiency by similar antioxidant, anti-inflammatory mechanisms as in diabetic retinopathy.
Methods:
Calcium dobesilate was tested in vitro for its protective action against oxidative/inflammatory stress in human varicose veins. Varicose greater saphenous veins were obtained from 14 patients (11 men, 3 women) aged 53-65 years. Oxidative stress was induced exogenously in the vein segments, with the phenazine methosulphate (PMS)/NADH couple. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were used as markers of oxidative stress.
Results:
Calcium dobesilate significantly prevented oxidative disturbances in the micromolar range. PMS/NADH-dependent TAS decrease was fully prevented with IC(50) = 11.4 ± 2.3 µmol/L (n = 6 veins), whereas MDA increase was fully prevented with IC(50) = (102 ± -3) µmol/L (n = 6 veins). Calcium dobesilate acted quali- and quantitatively like rutin, the reference compound. Comparison with pharmacokinetic data suggests that calcium dobesilate can act at therapeutic concentrations.
Conclusion:
Calcium dobesilate protected human varicose veins against oxidative stress in vitro at levels that correspond to therapeutic concentrations. Further studies are required to investigate whether a similar action is found in varicose veins from patients orally treated with calcium dobesilate.
Related Concept Videos
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Varicose Veins I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
