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Neutrophils may contribute to the morbidity and mortality of claudicants
P Hickman1, P T McCollum, J J Belch
1Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Insights
Peripheral arterial occlusive disease, a common cause of morbidity, is linked to increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Neutrophils may play a role in this heightened risk, and treatments could modify their behavior to improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) affects 5% of men over 50, causing intermittent claudication.
- While not fatal, PAOD significantly increases mortality risk, primarily due to cardiovascular disease.
- The role of neutrophils in PAOD-related mortality is an area of growing research interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence implicating neutrophils in the increased mortality associated with PAOD.
- To elucidate the potential pathogenesis of neutrophil involvement in PAOD.
- To discuss how claudication treatments might influence neutrophil behavior and impact patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating neutrophil function in PAOD.
- Analysis of existing research on the pathogenesis of PAOD and cardiovascular complications.
- Examination of data on the effects of claudication treatments on neutrophil activity.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests neutrophils contribute to the increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with PAOD.
- Pathogenic mechanisms involving neutrophils in PAOD are being identified.
- Certain treatments for claudication may modulate neutrophil behavior, potentially reducing mortality.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil involvement is a significant factor in the excess mortality observed in peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
- Understanding neutrophil pathogenesis may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
- Modulating neutrophil activity through claudication treatment holds promise for improving long-term survival in PAOD patients.
Abstract:
Peripheral arterial occlusive disease is a common cause of morbidity in middle-aged men; 5 per cent of those aged over 50 years suffer from intermittent claudication. While claudication itself is not fatal, claudicants have a mortality rate approximately three times that of non-claudicating men of the same age, mainly from cardiovascular disease. This review examines the evidence for involvement of the neutrophil in this increased mortality and describes the possible pathogenesis. It also discusses how treatment of claudication may modify neutrophil behaviour, reducing subsequent mortality and morbidity rates.