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Steegh FMEG, Keijbeck AA, de Hoogt PA, Rademakers T, Houben AJHM, Reesink KD, Stehouwer CDA, Daemen MJAP, Peutz-Kootstra CJ. Capillary rarefaction: a missing link in renal and cardiovascular disease? Angiogenesis 2024; 27:23-35. [PMID: 37326760 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Capillary rarefaction may be both one of the causes as well as a consequence of CKD and cardiovascular disease. We reviewed the published literature on human biopsy studies and conclude that renal capillary rarefaction occurs independently of the cause of renal function decline. Moreover, glomerular hypertrophy may be an early sign of generalized endothelial dysfunction, while peritubular capillary loss occurs in advanced renal disease. Recent studies with non-invasive measurements show that capillary rarefaction is detected systemically (e.g., in the skin) in individuals with albuminuria, as sign of early CKD and/or generalized endothelial dysfunction. Decreased capillary density is found in omental fat, muscle and heart biopsies of patients with advanced CKD as well as in skin, fat, muscle, brain and heart biopsies of individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. No biopsy studies have yet been performed on capillary rarefaction in individuals with early CKD. At present it is unknown whether individuals with CKD and cardiovascular disease merely share the same risk factors for capillary rarefaction, or whether there is a causal relationship between rarefaction in renal and systemic capillaries. Further studies on renal and systemic capillary rarefaction, including their temporal relationship and underlying mechanisms are needed. This review stresses the importance of preserving and maintaining capillary integrity and homeostasis in the prevention and management of renal and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floor M E G Steegh
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke A Keijbeck
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick A de Hoogt
- Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Rademakers
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alfons J H M Houben
- Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen D Reesink
- Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Coen D A Stehouwer
- Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mat J A P Daemen
- Department of Pathology, UMC Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carine J Peutz-Kootstra
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pathology, Gelre Ziekenhuizen, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.
- , Porthoslaan 39, 6213 CN, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Brennan PF, McNeil AJ, Jing M, Awuah A, Moore JS, Mailey J, Finlay DD, Blighe K, McLaughlin JAD, Nesbit MA, Trucco E, Moore TCB, Spence MS. Assessment of the conjunctival microcirculation for patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction compared to healthy controls. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7660. [PMID: 33828174 PMCID: PMC8027463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87315-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcirculatory dysfunction occurs early in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a late consequence of CVD. The conjunctival microcirculation is readily-accessible for quantitative assessment and has not previously been studied in MI patients. We compared the conjunctival microcirculation of acute MI patients and age/sex-matched healthy controls to determine if there were differences in microcirculatory parameters. We acquired images using an iPhone 6s and slit-lamp biomicroscope. Parameters measured included diameter, axial velocity, wall shear rate and blood volume flow. Results are for all vessels as they were not sub-classified into arterioles or venules. The conjunctival microcirculation was assessed in 56 controls and 59 inpatients with a presenting diagnosis of MI. Mean vessel diameter for the controls was 21.41 ± 7.57 μm compared to 22.32 ± 7.66 μm for the MI patients (p < 0.001). Axial velocity for the controls was 0.53 ± 0.15 mm/s compared to 0.49 ± 0.17 mm/s for the MI patients (p < 0.001). Wall shear rate was higher for controls than MI patients (162 ± 93 s-1 vs 145 ± 88 s-1, p < 0.001). Blood volume flow did not differ significantly for the controls and MI patients (153 ± 124 pl/s vs 154 ± 125 pl/s, p = 0.84). This pilot iPhone and slit-lamp assessment of the conjunctival microcirculation found lower axial velocity and wall shear rate in patients with acute MI. Further study is required to correlate these findings further and assess long-term outcomes in this patient group with a severe CVD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Brennan
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK.
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
| | - Andrew J McNeil
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Min Jing
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown, UK
| | - Agnes Awuah
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Julie S Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Jonathan Mailey
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Dewar D Finlay
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown, UK
| | - Kevin Blighe
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - James A D McLaughlin
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown, UK
| | - M Andrew Nesbit
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Emanuele Trucco
- VAMPIRE project, Computing (SSEN), University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Tara C B Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Mark S Spence
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
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Arvanitaki A, Giannakoulas G, Triantafyllidou E, Feloukidis C, Boutou AK, Garyfallos A, Karvounis H, Dimitroulas T. Peripheral microangiopathy in precapillary pulmonary hypertension: a nailfold video capillaroscopy prospective study. Respir Res 2021; 22:27. [PMID: 33478514 PMCID: PMC7819216 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although pulmonary vascular bed has been the main subject of research for many years in pulmonary hypertension (PH), interest has recently started to divert towards the possibility of a co-existing peripheral microangiopathy. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence of nailfold video-capillaroscopic (NVC) structural changes in patients with precapillary PH and to identify possible associations of NVC measurements with markers of disease severity. Methods Α prospective case–control study was performed in 28 consecutive patients with precapillary PH [14 with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and 14 with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)] and 30 healthy controls. NVC quantitative and qualitative parameters were evaluated using Optilia Digital Capillaroscope. To ensure inter-observer repeatability capillaroscopic images were reviewed by two independent investigators. For multiple comparisons among continuous variables, one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test were used. Differences between the groups were tested with post-hoc analysis with adjustment for multiple comparisons (Bonferroni test). Results Both IPAH (71.4% were women, mean age 53.1 ± 13.4 years) and CTEPH (64.3% women, mean age 60.9 ± 14.4 years) groups presented reduced capillary density compared to healthy controls (8.4 ± 1.2 loops/mm and 8.0 ± 1.2 loops/mm vs. 9.7 ± 0.81 loops/mm, p < 0.001) and increased loop width (15.7 ± 3.9 μm and 15.8 ± 1.9 μm vs. 11.5 ± 2.3 μm, p < 0.001). More than half of patients with IPAH presented microhaemorrhages on capillary nailfold, while increased shape abnormalities in capillary morphology and more capillary thrombi per linear mm were detected in patients with CTEPH compared to patients with IPAH and healthy controls. All PH patients presented a non-specific NVC pattern compared to controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion The findings of the study reveal a degree of significant peripheral microvascular alterations in patients with IPAH and CTEPH, suggesting a generalized impairment of peripheral microvasculature in pulmonary vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Arvanitaki
- Department of Cardiology III - Adult Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Muenster, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1 St. Kyriakidi Street, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Street, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Giannakoulas
- Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1 St. Kyriakidi Street, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eva Triantafyllidou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Street, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Feloukidis
- Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1 St. Kyriakidi Street, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Afroditi K Boutou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Street, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Haralambos Karvounis
- Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1 St. Kyriakidi Street, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Street, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Thenar Muscle Oxygen Saturation Using Vascular Occlusion Test: A Novel Technique to Study Microcirculatory Abnormalities in Pediatric Heart Failure Patients. Pediatr Cardiol 2019; 40:1151-1158. [PMID: 31098675 PMCID: PMC9284366 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-019-02118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is associated with microcirculatory changes secondary to neuro-humoral imbalance, vascular stiffness and increased sympathetic tone. Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) derived Thenar muscle tissue oxygenation levels (StO2) can provide an estimate of the functional status of microcirculation. There is a paucity of literature regarding evaluation of microcirculation in pediatric subjects with HF. We hypothesized that microcirculation and oxygen saturation dynamics as assessed by Thenar StO2 levels using vascular occlusion test (VOT) would be altered in HF subjects and that these changes may correlate with the severity of heart failure. We prospectively enrolled 60 pediatric subjects (29 healthy control, 31 HF). Baseline StO2 levels were measured using InSpectra™ StO2 probe placed over the Thenar eminence of right hand, followed by a VOT for 3 min, during which the changes in StO2 levels during the occlusion phase and post occlusion phase were recorded. Baseline Thenar StO2 levels (72 ± 8 vs 76 ± 5, p = 0.02) and time to baseline StO2 in seconds (150 ± 70 vs 200 ± 70, p = 0.007) were significantly lower in HF group compared to healthy control (HC). In addition, HF patients had a significantly lower trough StO2 (37 ± 9 vs 42 ± 11%, p = 0.04) and peak StO2 compared to HC (87 ± 8 vs 91 ± 5%, p = 0.01). However, there was no difference in the rate of desaturation, rate of resaturation or time to peak StO2 levels in between the 2 groups. Significant correlation was present between baseline Thenar StO2 levels and NYU Pediatric Heart Failure Index Score (NYU-PHFI) (p = 0.003). This study is the first to report an objective assessment of microcirculation and Thenar tissue oxygen dynamics in pediatric subjects with HF in comparison with HC. Our study suggests altered microcirculation and oxygenation patterns in these subjects as well as correlation with a validated pediatric heart failure clinical score. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to further study the utility of this novel technology in HF subjects.
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Shirshin EA, Gurfinkel YI, Matskeplishvili ST, Sasonko ML, Omelyanenko NP, Yakimov BP, Lademann J, Darvin ME. In vivo optical imaging of the viable epidermis around the nailfold capillaries for the assessment of heart failure severity in humans. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201800066. [PMID: 29845751 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is among the socially significant diseases, involving over 2% of the adult population in the developed countries. Diagnostics of the HF severity remains complicated due to the absence of specific symptoms and objective criteria. Here, we present an indicator of the HF severity based on the imaging of tissue parameters around the nailfold capillaries. High resolution nailfold video capillaroscopy was performed to determine the perivascular zone (PZ) size around nailfold capillaries, and 2-photon tomography with fluorescence lifetime imaging was used to investigate PZ composition. We found that the size of PZ around the nailfold capillaries strongly correlates with HF severity. Further investigations using 2-photon tomography demonstrated that PZ corresponds to the border of viable epidermis and it was suggested that the PZ size variations were due to the different amounts of interstitial fluid that potentially further translates in clinically significant oedema. The obtained results allow for the development of a quantitative indicator of oedematous syndrome, which can be used in various applications to monitor the dynamics of interstitial fluid retention. We therefore suggest PZ size measured with nailfold video capillaroscopy as a novel quantitative sensitive non-invasive marker of HF severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny A Shirshin
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of spectroscopy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Troitsk, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yury I Gurfinkel
- Research Clinical Center of JSC "Russian Railways", Moscow, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University Clinic, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Maria L Sasonko
- Research Clinical Center of JSC "Russian Railways", Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Boris P Yakimov
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Juergen Lademann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maxim E Darvin
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Berlin, Germany
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High albumin level is a predictor of favorable response to immunotherapy in autoimmune encephalitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1012. [PMID: 29343812 PMCID: PMC5772466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19490-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no known biomarker that predicts the response to immune therapy in autoimmune synaptic encephalitis. Thus, we investigated serum albumin as a prognostic biomarker of early immune therapies in patients with autoimmune encephalitis. We enrolled patients who were diagnosed with definite autoimmune encephalitis and underwent IVIg treatment at Seoul National University Hospital from 2012 to 2017. Patients were dichotomized according to serum albumin prior to IVIg administration with a cut-off level of 4.0 g/dL, which was the median value of 50% of patients. Seventeen (53.1%) of the 32 patients with definite autoimmune encephalitis who received IVIg treatment in our hospital had low serum albumin (<4.0 g/dL). The initial disease severity (mRS ≥ 4) was the sole factor that predicted low albumin in autoimmune encephalitis patients using multivariate analysis (P = 0.013). The low albumin group exhibited a worse response to immune therapy at the third and fourth weeks from IVIg administration (P < 0.01 and P = 0.012, respectively), and recovery to activities of daily life without assistance was faster in the high albumin group (log-rank test for trend, P < 0.01). Our study found that pretreatment low serum albumin was a significant indicator of autoimmune encephalitis prognosis in the short-term and long-term.
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Pistulli R, Quitter F, Andreas E, Rohm I, Kretzschmar D, Figulla HR, Yilmaz A, Jung C. Intravital microscopy – A novel tool in characterizing congestive heart failure in experimental autoimmune myocarditis. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2016; 63:153-62. [DOI: 10.3233/ch-152015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rudin Pistulli
- Jena University Hospital, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Jena, Germany
| | - Felix Quitter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Dresden, Germany
| | - Elise Andreas
- Jena University Hospital, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilonka Rohm
- Jena University Hospital, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Hans-R. Figulla
- Jena University Hospital, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Jena, Germany
| | - Atilla Yilmaz
- Internal Medicine II, Elisabeth Hospital Schmalkalden, Schmalkalden, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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The Correlation of PPARα Activity and Cardiomyocyte Metabolism and Structure in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy during Heart Failure Progression. PPAR Res 2016; 2016:7508026. [PMID: 26981112 PMCID: PMC4770161 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7508026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to define relationship between PPARα expression and metabolic-structural characteristics during HF progression in hearts with DCM phenotype. Tissue endomyocardial biopsy samples divided into three groups according to LVEF ((I) 45–50%, n = 10; (II) 30–40%, n = 15; (III) <30%, n = 15; and control (donor hearts, >60%, n = 6)) were investigated. The PPARα mRNA expression in the failing hearts was low in Group (I), high in Group (II), and comparable to that of the control in Group (III). There were analogous changes in the expression of FAT/CD36 and CPT-1 mRNA in contrast to continuous overexpression of GLUT-4 mRNA and significant increase of PDK-4 mRNA in Group (II). In addition, significant structural changes of cardiomyocytes with glycogen accumulation were accompanied by increased expression of PPARα. For the entire study population with HF levels of FAT/CD36 mRNA showed a strong tendency of negative correlation with LVEF. In conclusion, PPARα elevated levels may be a direct cause of adverse remodeling, both metabolic and structural. Thus, there is limited time window for therapy modulating cardiac metabolism and protecting cardiomyocyte structure in failing heart.
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Abstract
The heart consumes huge amounts of energy to fulfil its function as a relentless pump. A highly sophisticated system of energy generation based on flexibility of substrate use and efficient energy production, effective energy sensing and energy transfer ensures function of the healthy heart across a range of physiological situations. In left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, these processes become disturbed, leading as will be discussed to impaired cardiac energetic status and to further impairment of cardiac function. These metabolic disturbances form a potential target for therapy.
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Abstract
Nail abnormalities can arise in conjunction with or as a result of systematic pathologies. These pathologies include single-organ diseases, multisystemic diseases, and drug-induced insults. Clinical signs associated with these conditions include dyschromias, vascular alterations, periungual tissue changes, textural dystrophies, contour alterations, and growth-rate alterations. The associated systemic pathologies may affect any part of the nail apparatus, including the nail matrix, the nail plate, the nail bed, the underlying vasculature, and the periungual tissues. The anatomical location and extent of damage determine the clinically manifested anomaly.
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Gaynes B, Teng PY, Wanek J, Shahidi M. Feasibility of conjunctival hemodynamic measurements in rabbits: reproducibility, validity, and response to acute hypotension. Microcirculation 2012; 19:521-9. [PMID: 22486988 PMCID: PMC3648337 DOI: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2012.00182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of conjunctival hemodynamic measurements based on assessment of reproducibility, validity, and response to acute hypotension. METHODS Image sequences of the conjunctival microvasculature of rabbits were captured using a slit lamp biomicroscope under a steady-state condition, after topical administration of phenylephrine, and after intravenous administration of esmolol. Venous hemodynamic parameters (diameter, blood velocity, blood flow, and wall shear stress) were derived. RESULTS Conjunctival venous diameters ranged from 9 to 34 μm and blood velocities ranged from 0.08 to 0.95 mm/s. Coefficients of variation of venous diameter and blood velocity measurements were, on average, 6% and 14%, respectively. Automated and manual measurements of venous diameter and velocity were highly correlated (R = 0.97; p < 0.001; n = 16). With phenylephrine administration, diameter and velocity were reduced by 21% and 69%, respectively. Following esmolol administration, blood pressure was reduced with a concomitant decrease in velocity, followed by recovery to baseline. Venous blood velocity, flow, and WSS were correlated with blood pressure (R ≥ 0.52; p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The feasibility of quantifying alterations in microvascular hemodynamics in the bulbar conjunctiva was established. The method is of potential value in evaluating microcirculatory hemodynamics related to cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Gaynes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Goligorsky MS. Microvascular rarefaction: the decline and fall of blood vessels. Organogenesis 2012; 6:1-10. [PMID: 20592859 DOI: 10.4161/org.6.1.10427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The goals of this presentation are two-fold: (1) to briefly sketch the field of vascular rarefaction as a key component of various fibrotic diseases and (2) to illustrate it with four vignettes depicting diverse mechanisms of microvascular rarefaction. Specifically, I shall describe migratory and angiogenic incompetence of endothelial cells under conditions of reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide, role of endothelial-to-mesenchymal cell and mesenchymal stem cell-to-endothelial reprogramming, and potential role of antiangiogenic peptides in the development of graft vascular disease as exemplified by chronic allograft nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Goligorsky
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology, Renal Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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Effects of Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support on Microvascular Endothelial Function. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2011; 5:345-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s12265-011-9321-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Lauten A, Ferrari M, Goebel B, Rademacher W, Schumm J, Uth O, Kiehntopf M, Figulla HR, Jung C. Microvascular tissue perfusion is impaired in acutely decompensated heart failure and improves following standard treatment. Eur J Heart Fail 2011; 13:711-7. [PMID: 21543374 DOI: 10.1093/eurjhf/hfr043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) leads to neurohumoral activation potentially affecting vascular tone and organ perfusion and may be linked to unfavourable outcome. Global haemodynamic, clinical, and laboratory parameters may severely underestimate tissue hypoperfusion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate microvascular flow index (MFI) in patients with ADHF and to assess the effect of standard pharmacological therapy using Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-seven patients (mean age 75.5 ± 10.1 years, 48% male) with ADHF in New York Heart Association functional class ≥III were included. Serum markers of neurohumoral activation [brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)], endothelin-1 (ET-1), noradrenaline (NA), and echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle-function were determined at hospital admission and the day before discharge. Using SDF imaging, MFI was evaluated at both time-points in semi-quantitative vessel categories (small: 10-25 μm; medium: 26-50 μm; and large: 51-100 μm). At admission, increased serum levels of BNP, NA, and ET-1 and a severely reduced MFI were observed in association with ADHF. Serum levels of BNP, NA, and ET-1 decreased significantly with standard pharmacological therapy (BNP: 2163 ± 1577 vs.1006 ± 945 pg/mL, P< 0.05; NA: 349 ± 280 to 318 ± 265 pg/mL, P< 0.05; ET-1: 5.08 ± 0.72 to 4.81 ± 0.59 pg/mL; P< 0.01). Standard pharmacological treatment also had a profound impact on tissue perfusion by significantly improving median MFI in small [2.6; inter-quartile range (IQR) 2.3-2.9 vs. 2.9; IQR 2.8-3.0; P= 0.01) and medium-sized (2.0; IQR 1.9-2.5 vs. 2.7; IQR 2.5-2.8; P< 0.01) vessels. CONCLUSION In patients with ADHF, microvascular tissue perfusion is impaired even when global haemodynamic or laboratory signs of hypoperfusion are absent. Effective pharmacological treatment to decrease neurohumoral activation significantly improves microflow. Hypoperfusion in ADHF is potentially linked to neurohumoral activation with increased plasma levels of vasoconstrictors and sympatho-adrenergic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lauten
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology, Angiology, Pneumology), Friedrich-Schiller University, Erlanger Allee 101, Jena, Germany.
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Uthamalingam S, Kandala J, Daley M, Patvardhan E, Capodilupo R, Moore SA, Januzzi JL. Serum albumin and mortality in acutely decompensated heart failure. Am Heart J 2010; 160:1149-55. [PMID: 21146671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hypoalbuminemia has been associated with decreased survival in chronic systolic heart failure (HF), its role for prognosticating outcomes in those with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has not been established. METHODS AND RESULTS 438 consecutive patients with ADHF (mean age 75±13 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 41%±20%) admitted to a large community hospital were studied. The mean serum albumin level for the group was 3.4 g/dL; quintile analysis demonstrated an inflection of risk for death below this value. Patients with hypoalbuminemia (defined as a serum albumin<3.4 g/dL; N=236, 54% overall) were more likely to have prior HF, more severe HF symptoms, more likely to be edematous, and had more prevalent prognostically meaningful laboratory abnormalities, such as a higher frequency of renal dysfunction and elevated B-type natriuretic peptide. Independent associations between anemia, hyponatremia, lack of therapy with vasodilators at presentation, prior history of obstructive airways disease, severe tricuspid regurgitation, low serum cholesterol, and the presence of a pleural effusion on chest radiography were found with reduced serum albumin; interestingly, body mass index was not predictive of albumin levels. In Cox proportional hazards analysis, hypoalbuminemia predicted 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR]adjusted=2.05, 95% CI 1.10-3.81, P=.001). Reduced serum albumin concentrations were prognostic across a wide range of body mass index but had highest HR in obese patients (HRadjusted=4.39 [95% CI=1.66 to 11.60], P=.003). As well, hypoalbuminemia was mainly predictive of outcomes among those with systolic HF (HRadjusted=5.00, 95% CI=2.17-11.5, P<.001). CONCLUSION Hypoalbuminemia is common among patients with ADHF and is independently associated with increased one year mortality in patients admitted with ADHF.
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Capillaroscopy as an Outcome Measure for Clinical Trials on the Peripheral Vasculopathy in SSc-Is It Useful? Int J Rheumatol 2010; 2010. [PMID: 20827384 PMCID: PMC2935167 DOI: 10.1155/2010/784947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral microvascular impairment in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may be easily detected and scored in a safe noninvasive way by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC). The paper highlights clinical conditions related to SSc in which NVC may represent an outcome measure of therapeutical interventions, by elaborating on their already assessed relationship with the NVC patterns and eventually scores. The 3 important biological/clinical conditions are: the positivity for SSc-specific serum autoantibodies, the presence of SSc skin digital ulcers (DUs) and of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) SSc associated. In conclusion, to the question if capillaroscopy (NVC) may represent in SSc an outcome measure for clinical trials on the peripheral vasculopathy, based on the growing evidence and our detailed studies, the answer is positive. Recent therapeutic trials in SSc are confirming this role, and the experience is growing rapidly.
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Hoefer J, Azam MA, Kroetsch JTE, Leong-Poi H, Momen MA, Voigtlaender-Bolz J, Scherer EQ, Meissner A, Bolz SS, Husain M. Sphingosine-1-phosphate-dependent activation of p38 MAPK maintains elevated peripheral resistance in heart failure through increased myogenic vasoconstriction. Circ Res 2010; 107:923-33. [PMID: 20671234 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.110.226464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mechanisms underlying vasomotor abnormalities and increased peripheral resistance exacerbating heart failure (HF) are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To explore the role and molecular basis of myogenic responses in HF. METHODS AND RESULTS 10 weeks old C57Bl6 mice underwent experimental myocardial infarction (MI) or sham surgery. At 1 to 12 weeks postoperative, mice underwent hemodynamic studies, mesenteric, cerebral, and cremaster artery perfusion myography and Western blot. Organ weights and hemodynamics confirmed HF and increased peripheral resistance after MI. Myogenic responses, ie, pressure-induced vasoconstriction, were increased as early as 1 week after MI and remained elevated. Vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine were decreased 1 week after MI, but not at 2 to 6 weeks after MI, whereas those to endothelin (ET)-1 and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) were increased at all time points after MI. An antagonist (JTE-013) for the most abundant S1P receptor detected in mesenteric arteries (S1P(2)R) abolished the enhanced myogenic responses of HF, with significantly less effect on controls. Mice with genetic absence of sphingosine-kinases or S1P(2)R (Sphk1(-/-); Sphk1(-/-)/Sphk2(+/-); S1P(2)R(-/-)) did not manifest enhanced myogenic responses after MI. Mesenteric arteries from HF mice exhibited increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain, with deactivation of its phosphatase (MLCP). Among known S1P-responsive regulators of MLCP, GTP-Rho levels were unexpectedly reduced in HF, whereas levels of activated p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) were increased. Inhibiting p38 MAPK abolished the myogenic responses of animals with HF, with little effect on controls. CONCLUSIONS Rho-independent p38 MAPK-mediated deactivation of MLCP underlies S1P/S1P(2)R-regulated increases in myogenic vasoconstriction observed in HF. Therapeutic targeting of these findings in HF models deserves study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Hoefer
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Effects of a 3-month rehabilitation program on muscle oxygenation in congestive heart failure patients as assessed by NIRS. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2009.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is characterized by three distinct pathologic processes: fibrosis, cellular/humoral autoimmunity, and specific vascular changes. Although a mild vasculitis may sometimes be present, the vascular pathology of scleroderma is not necessarily inflammatory and is best characterized as a vasculopathy. In this article, the authors propose that SSc vasculopathy is the result of an early event involving vascular injury that eventuates in a vicious cycle mediated in part by the immune process. The subsequent vascular malformation and rarefaction may be a function of systemic angiogenic dysregulation, with over expression of vascular endothelial growth factor but a lack of proper interactions with smooth muscle cells needed to stabilize and organize blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Nadine Fleming
- Department of Pathology, 815 Mercer Street, Room 421, Brotman Building, Box 358050, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98109-4717, USA
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Capillary regeneration in scleroderma: stem cell therapy reverses phenotype? PLoS One 2008; 3:e1452. [PMID: 18197262 PMCID: PMC2175530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/21/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease with a characteristic vascular pathology. The vasculopathy associated with scleroderma is one of the major contributors to the clinical manifestations of the disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We used immunohistochemical and mRNA in situ hybridization techniques to characterize this vasculopathy and showed with morphometry that scleroderma has true capillary rarefaction. We compared skin biopsies from 23 scleroderma patients and 24 normal controls and 7 scleroderma patients who had undergone high dose immunosuppressive therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplant. Along with the loss of capillaries there was a dramatic change in endothelial phenotype in the residual vessels. The molecules defining this phenotype are: vascular endothelial cadherin, a supposedly universal endothelial marker required for tube formation (lost in the scleroderma tissue), antiangiogenic interferon alpha (overexpressed in the scleroderma dermis) and RGS5, a signaling molecule whose expression coincides with the end of branching morphogenesis during development and tumor angiogenesis (also overexpressed in scleroderma skin. Following high dose immunosuppressive therapy, patients experienced clinical improvement and 5 of the 7 patients with scleroderma had increased capillary counts. It was also observed in the same 5 patients, that the interferon alpha and vascular endothelial cadherin had returned to normal as other clinical signs in the skin regressed, and in all 7 patients, RGS5 had returned to normal. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE These data provide the first objective evidence for loss of vessels in scleroderma and show that this phenomenon is reversible. Coordinate changes in expression of three molecules already implicated in angiogenesis or anti-angiogenesis suggest that control of expression of these three molecules may be the underlying mechanism for at least the vascular component of this disease. Since rarefaction has been little studied, these data may have implications for other diseases characterized by loss of capillaries including hypertension, congestive heart failure and scar formation.
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Houben AJHM, de Leeuw PW, Peeters LLH. Configuration of the microcirculation in pre-eclampsia: possible role of the venular system. J Hypertens 2007; 25:1665-70. [PMID: 17620964 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e3281900e0e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that during pre-eclampsia microvascular function and structure are disturbed, which contributes to raised venular resistance. METHODS The microcirculation of the skin and bulbar conjunctiva was studied in 11 women with preeclampsia and nine parous controls, both in the third trimester and 3 months postpartum. Using intravital videomicroscopy, arteriolar and venular diameters were determined in the conjunctiva. In addition, skin capillary densities and morphology were determined. RESULTS Conjunctival venular diameters were 30% smaller in pre-eclampsia compared with controls, both during pregnancy (P < 0.01) and postpartum (P = 0.045). Arteriolar diameters also tended to be smaller; however, this difference was not statistically significant. In women with pre-eclampsia we found a higher percentage of tortuous/dilated skin capillaries (5%) compared with controls (0%; P < 0.05). Three months postpartum, this difference had disappeared. Skin capillary densities did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION Women with severe pre-eclampsia have narrow venules, both during manifest disease and postpartum. Possibly, these narrow venules raise venular resistance and with it, hydrostatic pressure in the capillary bed. The latter, in turn, may explain the higher number of tortuous/dilated capillaries in women with preeclampsia. These findings support an important role of the venous system in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphons J H M Houben
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Erol-Yilmaz A, Atasever B, Mathura K, Lindeboom J, Wilde A, Ince C, Tukkie R. Cardiac Resynchronization Improves Microcirculation. J Card Fail 2007; 13:95-9. [PMID: 17395048 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2006.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2005] [Revised: 10/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it is known that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients improves systemic circulation, its acute effects on microcirculation are as yet unknown. Therefore we investigated the sublingual microcirculatory changes in HF patients from CRT and right ventricular (RV) pacing by use of orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS Twelve consecutive HF patients with a CRT device and 20 healthy individuals (HI) were included. Acute microcirculatory changes were assessed by functional capillary density (FCD) and capillary velocity (CV) measurement 6 months after CRT. FCD and CV were measured in HF patients sublingually after 15 minutes of programming 1 of 3 pacing modalities in random order (no pacing, RV pacing, and CRT). FCD was significantly higher in HI (11.2 +/- 2.1 cm/cm(2)) compared with HF patients with RV pacing (8.9 +/- 1.9 cm/cm(2); P = .03) and no pacing (8.3 +/- 2.4 cm/cm(2); P = .02). CRT (12.1 +/- 2.2 cm/cm(2)) significantly increased FCD in HF patients compared with RV pacing (8.9 +/- 1.9 cm/cm(2); P = .006) and no pacing (8.3 +/- 2.4 cm/cm(2); P = .008). CV was normal in all patients with or without pacing. CONCLUSIONS CRT improves microcirculatory function as assessed by OPS imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayten Erol-Yilmaz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Houben AJHM, Burgwinkel JP, de Leeuw PW. A novel approach to the study of human microcirculation: reactivity to locally applied angiotensin II in the conjunctival microvascular bed. J Hypertens 2006; 24:2225-30. [PMID: 17053544 DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000249700.11736.9e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a state-of-the-art, computer-assisted intravital microscopy protocol to evaluate directly the effects of topically applied drugs on conjunctival arteriolar and venular diameters. METHODS Fifty-one normotensive volunteers were studied. Video-recordings of the bulbar conjunctival microcirculation were made before and following eye drops containing angiotensin II (AngII) (0.001% w/w, or 0.01%) or phenylephrine (0.25%). The computer-assisted analyses of arteriolar and venular diameters were performed off-line. In different protocols the microvascular reactivity to the different eye drops were compared. RESULTS AngII (0.01%) eye drops, but not AngII (0.001%), induced significant constriction in both arterioles (median, 19%) and venules (13%). Phenylephrine eye drops (pharmacological control) induced similar arteriolar (18%) and venular (12%) constrictions. Repeated AngII challenges with a 30-min interval revealed reproducible vasoconstriction responses (median arteriolar constriction, 11 and 17%, respectively; NS). The vasoconstriction responses following AngII challenges on two consecutive days revealed reproducible responses (median arteriolar constriction, 13 and 11%, respectively; NS). CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrate that the proposed model for noninvasive intravital video-microscopy of the conjunctival microcirculation is sensitive for measuring direct arteriolar and venular reactivity following topically applied drugs. We consider this model a valuable tool for sophisticated research on in-vivo microvascular reactivity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphons J H M Houben
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Houben AJHM, Willemsen RTA, van de Ven H, de Leeuw PW. Microvascular adaptation to changes in dietary sodium is disturbed in patients with essential hypertension. J Hypertens 2005; 23:127-32. [PMID: 15643134 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200501000-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown microvascular changes in patients with hypertension, but the question is still open as to whether these alterations are functional or structural. In particular, it is unknown whether the microcirculation adapts to changes in sodium intake or remains relatively fixed. METHODS We examined bulbar conjunctival microvascular densities after 1 week of low (55 mmol Na+/24 h) and high (220 mmol Na+/24 h) sodium diet, in untreated patients with essential hypertension and in normotensive control subjects. RESULTS On a low sodium diet, venular density was lower in essential hypertension (EH) compared with controls [median and interquartile ranges: 4.77 (4.01-5.71) versus 6.43 (6.02-7.20) mm/mm2, P = 0.001], while arteriolar density was higher [3.80 (2.41-4.46) versus 2.06 (1.74-2.23) mm/mm2, P = 0.03]. In the whole group (patients and controls), venular density correlated inversely and arteriolar density correlated positively with mean arterial pressure (MAP). Switching to a high sodium intake resulted in opposite responses in the two groups with respect to venular density (P = 0.0001): a 33% (3-80) increase in EH, but a 28% (-3 to 34) decrease in controls. Changes in venular density with increased sodium intake correlated positively with MAP on a low sodium diet in the whole group. Arteriolar density did not change significantly in either group. Also, capillary density was similar on both diets. CONCLUSION Functional microvascular density in EH patients differs from that in normotensive subjects in a way that is dependent upon sodium intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphons J H M Houben
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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