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Microcirculation and atherothrombotic parameters in prolactinoma patients: a pilot study
Anne Q Reuwer1, Brigitte M Sondermeijer, Suzanne Battjes
1Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Room F4-145 Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A.Q.Reuwer@amc.uva.nl
Pituitary
|October 14, 2011
Summary
Elevated prolactin levels in patients with prolactinoma are linked to microvascular dysfunction and pro-atherothrombotic changes. These findings suggest a potential role for prolactin in atherothrombosis development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Atherothrombosis involves complex interactions between vessel walls, hemodynamics, and systemic risk factors.
- Emerging evidence suggests the hormone prolactin may act as a mediator in atherothrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microvascular function and plasma atherothrombosis markers in patients with elevated prolactin levels.
- To explore the potential link between prolactin and the development of atherothrombotic disease.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study comparing 10 prolactinoma patients with 10 healthy controls.
- Sidestream dark field (SDF) imaging assessed sublingual microcirculation.
- Fluorescein angiography (FAG) evaluated retinal microvasculature.
- Plasma markers of atherothrombosis were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Prolactinoma patients exhibited significant microcirculatory dysfunction, including altered microvascular flow index, heterogeneity index, and reduced proportion of perfused vessels.
- Retinal fluorescein angiography revealed more frequent dilatated perifoveal capillaries in prolactinoma patients.
- Plasma analysis showed elevated endogenous thrombin potential and prothrombin, with decreased HDL-cholesterol in prolactinoma patients.
Conclusions:
- Patients with prolactinoma demonstrate both microvascular dysfunction and pro-atherothrombotic plasma markers.
- These findings indicate a potential pro-atherothrombotic state associated with elevated prolactin.
- Further research is necessary to establish a causal relationship between prolactin and atherothrombotic disease.
