Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Reduction of Radiation Exposure during Endovascular Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease Combining Fiber Optic RealShape Technology and Intravascular Ultrasound
13:48

Reduction of Radiation Exposure during Endovascular Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease Combining Fiber Optic RealShape Technology and Intravascular Ultrasound

Published on: April 21, 2023

1.9K

Thrombospondin-4 increases with the severity of peripheral arterial disease and is associated with diabetes

Bernhard Zierfuss1, Clemens Höbaus2, Carsten T Herz3

  • 1Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine 2, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. bernhard.zierfuss@meduniwien.ac.at.

Heart and Vessels
|June 23, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4) is elevated in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), correlating with disease severity. This study suggests TSP-4 may serve as a novel biomarker for atherosclerosis, particularly in diabetic patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4) is an extracellular matrix protein found in vessel walls.
  • Its clinical significance in atherosclerosis, particularly peripheral artery disease (PAD), remains largely uncharacterized.
  • Existing evidence primarily stems from preclinical studies, necessitating clinical validation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical relevance of TSP-4 in patients with PAD.
  • To determine the correlation between TSP-4 levels and PAD severity.
  • To explore the association of TSP-4 with diabetes in the context of PAD.

Main Methods:

  • TSP-4 levels were quantified using ELISA in 365 PAD patients.
  • PAD diagnosis and severity grading were based on ankle-brachial index (ABI) and Fontaine classification.
  • Statistical analyses included correlation, logistic regression, and ANOVA to assess TSP-4 associations with clinical parameters and glucose tolerance status.

Main Results:

  • TSP-4 levels were significantly higher in patients with more severe PAD (Fontaine II vs. I) (p=0.043).
  • TSP-4 showed a significant negative correlation with ABI (r=-0.141, p=0.023) after excluding specific patient subgroups.
  • Elevated TSP-4 was observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes (DGT) compared to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (p=0.035), with a linear increase in TSP-4 with combined PAD and diabetes burden.

Conclusions:

  • TSP-4 levels increase with PAD severity, indicating its potential as a marker for atherosclerotic activity.
  • A novel association between TSP-4 and diabetes in PAD patients was identified.
  • TSP-4 may represent a valuable biomarker for assessing atherosclerotic disease burden, especially in patients with co-existing diabetes.

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisBiomarkerDiabetesExtracellular matrix proteinLower extremity arterial diseasePeripheral arterial disease

More Related Videos

Preclinical Model of Hind Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Rabbits07:34

Preclinical Model of Hind Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Rabbits

Published on: June 2, 2019

10.3K
Intravital Microscopy of Monocyte Homing and Tumor-Related Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Peripheral Arterial Disease08:38

Intravital Microscopy of Monocyte Homing and Tumor-Related Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Published on: August 26, 2017

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
335
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management01:26

Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management

 The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses,...
360
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
273
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
387
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
379
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
922