Realistic Temporal Variations of Shear Stress Modulate MMP-2 and MCP-1 Expression in Arteriovenous Vascular Access

Near-wall hemodynamic parameters of finger arteries altered by hand-transmitted vibration

BACKGROUND

Sustained exposure to high-level hand-transmitted vibrations may result in angioneurotic disorders, which partly originate from vibration-altered hemodynamics in the finger arteries when repeating these disturbances throughout working life. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the most relevant hemodynamic descriptors in the digital arteries, determine the relationship between the latter and vibration features, and gain better understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved.

METHODS

An experimental setup, mainly comprised of an ultra-high frequency ultrasound scanner and a vibration shaker, was used to image the digital proper volar arteries of the forefinger. Raw ultrasound data were post-processed by custom-made numerical routines to supply a pulsatile fluid mechanics model for computing the hemodynamic descriptors. Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in the measurement campaign. Classical statistical methods were then applied to the dataset and also the wavelet transform for calculating the signal power in the frequency bands matching cardiac, respiratory, myogenic and neurogenic activities.

RESULTS

The artery diameter, the wall shear stress - WSS - and the WSS temporal gradient - WSSTG - were found to be the most relevant descriptors. Vibration-induced WSS was divided by three compared to its basal value whatever the vibration frequency and it was proportional to log2 of the acceleration level. Marked increases in WSSTG when stopping vibration might also lead to adverse health effects. Vibration caused a drop in WSS power for the frequency band associated with the neurogenic activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

CONCLUSION

This study may pave the way for a new framework to prevent vibration-induced vascular risk.

Spiral Laminar Flow is Associated with a Reduction in Disturbed Shear in Patient-Specific Models of an Arteriovenous Fistula

PURPOSE

Areas of disturbed shear that arise following arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation are believed to contribute to the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH). The presence of helical flow can suppress areas of disturbed shear, which may protect the vasculature from IH. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine if helical flow, specifically spiral laminar flow (SLF), is present in patient-specific AVF models and is associated with a reduction in exposure to disturbed shear.

METHODS

Four AVF were imaged using MRI within the first two weeks following fistula creation. Patient-specific boundary conditions were obtained using phase-contrast MRI and applied at the inlet and outlets of each model. Computational fluid dynamics was used to analyse the hemodynamics in each model and compare the helical content of the flow to the distribution of disturbed shear.

RESULTS

BC-1 and RC-2 are characterised by the presence of SLF, which coincides with the lowest distribution of disturbed shear. Contrastingly, SLF is absent from BC-2 and RC-1 and experience the largest amount of disturbed shear. Interestingly, BC-2 and RC-1 developed an anastomosis stenosis, while BC-1 and RC-2 remained stenosis free.

CONCLUSION

These findings are in agreement with previous clinical studies and further highlight the clinical potential of SLF as a prognostic marker for a healthy AVF, as its presence correlates with an overall reduction in exposure to disturbed shear and a decrease in the incidence of AVF dysfunction, albeit in a small sample size.

Heterogeneous Maturation of Arterio-Venous Fistulas and Loop-Shaped Venous Interposition Grafts: A Histological and 3D Flow Simulation Comparison

Vascular graft maturation is associated with blood flow characteristics, such as velocity, pressure, vorticity, and wall shear stress (WSS). Many studies examined these factors separately. We aimed to examine the remodeling of arterio-venous fistulas (AVFs) and loop-shaped venous interposition grafts, together with 3D flow simulation. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into sham-operated, AVF, and loop-shaped venous graft (Loop) groups, using the femoral and superficial inferior epigastric vessels for anastomoses. Five weeks after surgery, the vessels were removed for histological evaluation, or plastic castings were made and scanned for 3D flow simulation. Remodeling of AVF and looped grafts was complete in 5 weeks. Histology showed heterogeneous morphology depending on the distribution of intraluminal pressure and WSS. In the Loop group, an asymmetrical WSS distribution coincided with the intima hyperplasia spots. The tunica media was enlarged only when both pressure and WSS were high. The 3D flow simulation correlated with the histological findings, identifying “hotspots” for intimal hyperplasia formation, suggesting a predictive value. These observations can be useful for microvascular research and for quality control in microsurgical training.

Computationally guided in-vitro vascular growth model reveals causal link between flow oscillations and disorganized neotissue

Disturbed shear stress is thought to be the driving factor of neointimal hyperplasia in blood vessels and grafts, for example in hemodialysis conduits. Despite the common occurrence of neointimal hyperplasia, however, the mechanistic role of shear stress is unclear. This is especially problematic in the context of in situ scaffold-guided vascular regeneration, a process strongly driven by the scaffold mechanical environment. To address this issue, we herein introduce an integrated numerical-experimental approach to reconstruct the graft-host response and interrogate the mechanoregulation in dialysis grafts. Starting from patient data, we numerically analyze the biomechanics at the vein-graft anastomosis of a hemodialysis conduit. Using this biomechanical data, we show in an in vitro vascular growth model that oscillatory shear stress, in the presence of cyclic strain, favors neotissue development by reducing the secretion of remodeling markers by vascular cells and promoting the formation of a dense and disorganized collagen network. These findings identify scaffold-based shielding of cells from oscillatory shear stress as a potential handle to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in grafts.

Hybrid cardiovascular sourced extracellular matrix scaffolds as possible platforms for vascular tissue engineering

The aim when designing a scaffold is to provide a supportive microenvironment for the native cells, which is generally achieved by structurally and biochemically imitating the native tissue. Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) possesses the mechanical and biochemical cues designed to promote native cell survival. However, when decellularized and reprocessed, the ECM loses its cell supporting mechanical integrity and architecture. Herein, we propose dissolving the ECM into a polymer/solvent solution and electrospinning it into a fibrous sheet, thus harnessing the biochemical cues from the ECM and the mechanical integrity of the polymer. Bovine aorta and myocardium were selected as ECM sources. Decellularization was achieved using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and the ECM was combined with polycaprolactone and hexafluoro-2-propanol for electrospinning. The scaffolds were seeded with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The study found that the inclusion of aorta ECM increased the scaffold's wettability and subsequently lead to increased HUVEC adherence and proliferation. Interestingly, the inclusion of myocardium ECM had no effect on wettability or cell viability. Furthermore, gene expression and mechanical changes were noted with the addition of ECM. The results from this study show the vast potential of electrospun ECM/polymer bioscaffolds and their use in tissue engineering.

The presence of helical flow can suppress areas of disturbed shear in parameterised models of an arteriovenous fistula

Areas of disturbed shear that develop following arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation are believed to trigger the onset of intimal hyperplasia (IH), leading to AVF dysfunction. The presence of helical flow can suppress the flow disturbances that lead to disturbed shear in other areas of the vasculature. However, the relationship between helical flow and disturbed shear remains unevaluated in AVF. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to evaluate the relationship between geometry, helical flow, and disturbed shear in parameterised models of an AVF characterised by four different anastomosis angles. The AVF models with a small anastomosis angle demonstrate the lowest distribution of low/oscillating shear and are characterised by a high helical intensity coupled with a strong balance between helical structures. Contrastingly, the models with a large anastomosis angle experience the least amount of high shear, multidirectional shear, as well as spatial and temporal gradients of shear. Furthermore, the intensity of helical flow correlates strongly with curvature (r = 0.73, P < .001), whereas it is strongly and inversely associated with taper (r = -0.87, P < .001). In summary, a flow field dominated by a high helical intensity coupled with a strong balance between helical structures can suppress exposure to low/oscillating shear but is ineffective when it comes to other types of shear. This highlights the clinical potential of helical flow as a diagnostic marker of exposure to low/oscillating shear, as helical flow can be identified in vivo with the use of ultrasound imaging.

Towards the Identification of Hemodynamic Parameters Involved in Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation and Failure: A Review

Native arteriovenous fistulas have a high failure rate mainly due to the lack of maturation and uncontrolled neo-intimal hyperplasia development. Newly established hemodynamics is thought to be central in driving the fistula fate, after surgical creation. To investigate the effects of realistic wall shear stress stimuli on endothelial cells, an in vitro approach is necessary in order to reduce the complexity of the in vivo environment. After a systematic review, realistic WSS waveforms were selected and analysed in terms of magnitude, temporal gradient, presence of reversing phases (oscillatory shear index, OSI) and frequency content (hemodynamics index, HI). The effects induced by these waveforms in cellular cultures were also considered, together with the materials and methods used to cultivate and expose cells to WSS stimuli. The results show a wide heterogeneity of experimental approaches and WSS waveform features that prevent a complete understanding of the mechanisms that regulate mechanotransduction. Furthermore, the hemodynamics derived from the carotid bifurcation is the most investigated (in vitro), while the AVF scenario remains poorly addressed. In conclusion, standardisation of the materials and methods employed, as well as the decomposition of realistic WSS profiles, are required for a better understanding of the hemodynamic effects on AVF outcomes. This standardisation may also lead to a new classification of WSS features according to the risk associated with vascular dysfunction.

Secreted Endothelial Cell Factors Immobilized on Collagen Scaffolds Enhance the Recipient Endothelial Cell Environment

Strategies to design novel vascular scaffolds are a continuing aim in tissue engineering and often such designs encompass the use of recombinant factors to enhance the performance of the scaffold. The established use of cell secretion utilized in feeder systems and conditioned media offer a source of paracrine factors, which has potential to be used in tissue-engineered (TE) scaffolds. Here we utilize this principle from endothelial cells (ECs), to create a novel TE scaffold by harnessing secreted factors and immobilizing these to collagen scaffolds. This research revealed increased cellular attachment and positive angiogenic gene upregulation responses in recipient ECs grown on these conditioned scaffolds. Also, the conditioning method did not affect the mechanical structural integrity of the scaffolds. These results may advocate the potential use of this system to improve vascular scaffolds' in vivo performance. In addition, this process may be a future method utilized to improve other tissue engineering scaffold therapies.

The Role of Shear Stress in Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation and Failure: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Non-maturation and post-maturation venous stenosis are the primary causes of failure within arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs). Although the exact mechanisms triggering failure remain unclear, abnormal hemodynamic profiles are thought to mediate vascular remodelling and can adversely impact on fistula patency.

AIM

The review aims to clarify the role of shear stress on outward remodelling during maturation and evaluate the evidence supporting theories related to the localisation and development of intimal hyperplasia within AVFs.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies comparing remodelling data with hemodynamic data obtained from computational fluid dynamics of AVFs during and after maturation was conducted.

RESULTS

Outward remodelling occurred to reduce or normalise the level of shear stress over time in fistulae with a large radius of curvature (curved) whereas shear stress was found to augment over time in fistulae with a small radius of curvature (straight) coinciding with minimal to no increases in lumen area. Although this review highlighted that there is a growing body of evidence suggesting low and oscillating shear stress may stimulate the initiation and development of intimal medial thickening within AVFs. Further lines of evidence are needed to support the disturbed flow theory and outward remodelling findings before surgical configurations and treatment strategies are optimised to conform to them. This review highlighted that variation between the time of analysis, classification of IH, resolution of simulations, data processing techniques and omission of various shear stress metrics prevented forming pooling of data amongst studies.

CONCLUSION

Standardised measurements and data processing techniques are needed to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between shear stress and intimal medial thickening. Advances in image acquisition and flow quantifications coupled with the increasing prevalence of longitudinal studies commencing from fistula creation offer viable techniques and strategies to robustly evaluate the relationship between shear stress and remodelling during maturation and thereafter.

Fluid shear stress-induced osteoarthritis: roles of cyclooxygenase-2 and its metabolic products in inducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases

The mechanical overloading of cartilage is involved in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) by both biochemical and mechanical pathways. The application of fluid shear stress to chondrocytes recapitulates the earmarks of OA, as evidenced by the release of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and apoptotic factors. Dysregulations or mutations in these genes might directly cause OA in addition to determining the stage at which OA becomes apparent, the joint sites involved, and the severity of the disease and how rapidly it progresses. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this review, we propose that the dysregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is associated with fluid shear stress-induced OA via its metabolic products at different stages of the disease. Indeed, high fluid shear stress rapidly induces the production of PICs and MMPs via COX-2-derived prostaglandin (PG)E2 at the early stage of OA. In contrast, prolonged shear exposure (>12 h) aggravates the condition by concurrently up-regulating the expression of proapoptotic genes and down-regulating the expression of antiapoptotic genes in a 15-deoxy-Δ (12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2)-dependent manner at the late stage of disease. These observations may help to resolve long-standing questions in OA progression and provide insight for development of strategies to treat and combat OA.

Longitudinal assessment of hemodynamic endpoints in predicting arteriovenous fistula maturation

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) nonmaturation is currently a significant clinical problem; however, the mechanisms responsible for this have remained unanswered. Previous work by our group and others has suggested that anatomical configuration and the corresponding hemodynamic endpoints could have an important role in AVF remodeling. Thus, our goal was to assess the longitudinal (temporal) effect of wall shear stress (WSS) on remodeling process of AVFs with two different configurations. The hypothesis is that early assessment of hemodynamic endpoints such as temporal gradient of WSS will predict the maturation status of AVF at later time points. Two AVFs with curved (C-AVF) and straight (S-AVF) configurations were created between the femoral artery and vein of each pig. Three pigs were considered in this study and in total six AVFs (three C-AVF and three S-AVF) were created. The CT scan and ultrasound were utilized to numerically evaluate local WSS at 20 cross-sections along the venous segment of AVFs at 2D (D: days), 7D, and 28D postsurgery. These cross-sections were located at 1.5 mm increments from the anastomosis junction. Local WSS values at these cross-sections were correlated with their corresponding luminal area over time. The WSS in C-AVF decreased from 22.3 ± 4.8 dyn/cm(2) at 2D to 4.1 ± 5.1 dyn/cm(2) at 28D, while WSS increased in S-AVF from 13.0 ± 5.0 dyn/cm(2) at 2D to 36.7 ± 5.3 dyn/cm(2) at 28D. Corresponding to these changes in WSS levels, luminal area of C-AVF dilated (0.23 ± 0.14 cm(2) at 2D to 0.87 ± 0.14 cm(2) at 28D) with attendant increase in flow rate. However, S-AVF had minimal changes in area (0.26 ± 0.02 cm(2) at 2D to 0.27 ± 0.03 cm(2) at 28D) despite some increase in flow rate. Our results suggest that the temporal changes of WSS could have significant effects on AVF maturation. Reduction in WSS over time (regardless of initial values) may result in dilation (p < 0.05), while increase in WSS may be detrimental to maturation. Thus, creation of AVFs in a specific configuration which results in a decline in WSS over time may reduce AVF maturation failure.

Wall shear stresses remain elevated in mature arteriovenous fistulas: a case study

Maintaining vascular access (VA) patency continues to be the greatest challenge for dialysis patients. VA dysfunction, primarily due to venous neointimal hyperplasia development and stenotic lesion formation, is mainly attributed to complex hemodynamics within the arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The effect of VA creation and the subsequent geometrical remodeling on the hemodynamics and shear forces within a mature patient-specific AVF is investigated. A 3D reconstructed geometry of a healthy vein and a fully mature patient-specific AVF was developed from a series of 2D magnetic resonance image scans. A previously validated thresholding technique for region segmentation and lumen cross section contour creation was conducted in MIMICS 10.01, allowing for the creation of a 3D reconstructed geometry. The healthy vein and AVF computational models were built, subdivided, and meshed in GAMBIT 2.3. The computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code FLUENT 6.3.2 (Fluent Inc., Lebanon, NH) was employed as the finite volume solver to determine the hemodynamics and shear forces within the healthy vein and patient-specific AVF. Geometrical alterations were evaluated and a CFD analysis was conducted. Substantial geometrical remodeling was observed, following VA creation with an increase in cross-sectional area, out of plane curvature (maximum angle of curvature in AVF=30 deg), and angle of blood flow entry. The mean flow velocity entering the vein of the AVF is dramatically increased. These factors result in complex three-dimensional hemodynamics within VA junction (VAJ) and efferent vein of the AVF. Complex flow patterns were observed and the maximum and mean wall shear stress (WSS) magnitudes are significantly elevated. Flow reversal was found within the VAJ and efferent vein. Extensive geometrical remodeling during AVF maturation does not restore physiological hemodynamics to the VAJ and venous conduit of the AVF, and high WSS and WSS gradients, and flow reversal persist. It is theorized that the vessel remodelling and the continued non-physiological hemodynamics within the AVF compound to result in stenotic lesion development.

A longitudinal study of remodeling in a revised peripheral artery bypass graft using 3D ultrasound imaging and computational hemodynamics

We report a study of the role of hemodynamic shear stress in the remodeling and failure of a peripheral artery bypass graft. Three separate scans of a femoral to popliteal above-knee bypass graft were taken over the course of a 16 month period following a revision of the graft. The morphology of the lumen is reconstructed from data obtained by a custom 3D ultrasound system. Numerical simulations are performed with the patient-specific geometries and physiologically realistic flow rates. The ultrasound reconstructions reveal two significant areas of remodeling: a stenosis with over 85% reduction in area, which ultimately caused graft failure, and a poststenotic dilatation or widening of the lumen. Likewise, the simulations reveal a complicated hemodynamic environment within the graft. Preliminary comparisons with in vivo velocimetry also showed qualitative agreement with the flow dynamics observed in the simulations. Two distinct flow features are discerned and are hypothesized to directly initiate the observed in vivo remodeling. First, a flow separation occurs at the stenosis. A low shear recirculation region subsequently develops distal to the stenosis. The low shear region is thought to be conducive to smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal growth. A poststenotic jet issues from the stenosis and subsequently impinges onto the lumen wall. The lumen dilation is thought to be a direct result of the high shear stress and high frequency pressure fluctuations associated with the jet impingement.