Selective loss of extracellular matrix proteins is linked to biophysical properties of varicose veins assessed by ultrasonography.
BACKGROUND
Dilatation and enhanced distensibility are specific biophysical properties of varicose veins. Both can be assessed by ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to analyse correlations between the vein wall protein content and these two biophysical properties of varicose veins.


METHODS
Twenty-seven patients having surgery for varicose veins and six control patients with normal veins undergoing arterial bypass surgery were examined clinically and with ultrasonography the day before surgery. Fifty-two varicose and six control vein rings were harvested and analysed histopathologically and morphometrically; vascular tissue microarrays incorporated 116 vein wall sectors.


RESULTS
Elastin loss in the adventitia (P = 0.010) and reduction of type III collagen in the intima and media (P = 0.004) were observed in varicose veins. Elastin loss correlated negatively with vein diameter at rest (P = 0.005), whereas loss of type III collagen in the intima correlated negatively with the increase in vein diameter at the Valsalva manoeuvre (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Loss of elastin and type III collagen occurs in varicose veins and can be assessed with ultrasonography in vivo by measuring vein diameter and distensibility.
Jeanneret
C
C
University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital, Bruderholz, Switzerland.
Baldi
T
T
Hailemariam
S
S
Koella
C
C
Gewaltig
J
J
Biedermann
B C
BC
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D024061:Collagen Type III / Q000378:metabolism; D004549:Elastin / Q000378:metabolism; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D046228:Microarray Analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000737:chemistry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
D024061:Collagen Type III; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D004549:Elastin