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Assessment of microvascular function and pharmacological regulation in genetically confirmed familial

Marcin Pajkowski1, Maria Dudziak1, Krzysztof Chlebus2

  • 1Department of Cardiac Diagnostics, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.

Microvascular Research
|June 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Familial hypercholesterolemia impairs microvascular endothelial function, linked to high cholesterol. Statin treatment improved this response in FH patients, suggesting a therapeutic benefit for vascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Genetics
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol, leading to atherosclerosis and early cardiovascular events.
  • Microvascular endothelial dysfunction is an early sign of vascular damage in FH, potentially preceding symptomatic atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess microvascular endothelial function in FH patients using flow-mediated skin fluorescence (FMSF).
  • To investigate the relationship between lipid levels (LDL-C, TC) and microvascular parameters in FH.
  • To compare microvascular function in FH patients on statins versus those not on lipid-lowering therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Flow-mediated skin fluorescence (FMSF) was used to measure microvascular endothelial function.
  • Measurements included nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide fluorescence intensity during ischemic and hyperemic responses.
  • Correlations between lipid levels (LDL-C, TC) and FMSF parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • FH patients exhibited lower FMSF parameters compared to healthy controls.
  • Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) showed significant inverse correlations with hyperemic response.
  • FH patients on statins demonstrated a significantly higher hyperemic response compared to those not on lipid-lowering treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Microvascular endothelial-dependent hyperemic response is impaired in FH patients and correlates inversely with cholesterol levels.
  • Statin therapy appears to improve microvascular function in FH patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
EndotheliumFamilial hypercholesterolemiaFlow mediated skin fluorescenceMicrocirculationNADH fluorescence

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