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Published on: May 19, 2020
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Increased angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in rheumatic mitral valves
Paavo Immonen1, Pranita Zare2, Ari Mennander3
1Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) shows increased blood and lymphatic vessel growth in mitral valves. This study highlights angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis as key features of RHD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pathology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
- RHD disproportionately affects low-income populations and is a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vascular changes, specifically angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, in mitral valves affected by RHD.
- To compare vascular characteristics of RHD mitral valves with those of myxomatous degenerative valves.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sequential surgical mitral valve specimens from 19 RHD patients and 8 control patients with myxomatous degeneration.
- Quantitative assessment of blood and lymphatic vessel size and count per mm² in both groups.
Main Results:
- Mitral valves in RHD exhibited significantly increased lymphatic vessel size and count compared to controls.
- The combined blood and lymphatic vessel size increased substantially in RHD valves.
- Lymphatic vessel count per mm² was markedly higher in RHD valves.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are characteristic features of mitral valves affected by rheumatic heart disease.
- These vascular changes may contribute to the pathophysiology and progression of RHD.
- Further research into these vascular alterations could inform therapeutic strategies for RHD.
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