Impaired microvascular endothelial function is restored by acute lower-limb exercise in post-surgical varicose vein patients.
Evidence exists that cutaneous microvascular endothelial dysfunction persists in patients following varicose vein surgery. This study compared cutaneous microvascular function between post-surgical varicose vein patients and healthy controls and investigated whether any impairment of function can be attenuated by acute lower-limb exercise. Cutaneous flux responses of the gaiter area were measured in supine and standing positions before and after a 25-min walk using laser Doppler fluximetry and incremental-dose administration of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The pre-exercise peak responses to ACh (standing) were lower in patients than controls (48+/-11 vs. 96+/-28 PU; P=0.032), whereas treadmill exercise abolished this difference (P=0.819). In contrast, the pre-exercise responses to SNP (standing) appeared higher in patients than controls (3 mC responses: 24+/-4 vs. 10+/-2 PU, respectively; P=0.023), with no effect of acute exercise (P>0.05). These findings suggest that acute treadmill exercise augments microvascular endothelial function in post-surgical varicose vein patients to levels observed in age-matched controls.
Klonizakis
Markos
M
The Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK.
Tew
Garry
G
Michaels
Jonathan
J
Saxton
John
J
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*
D009599:Nitroprusside; D000109:Acetylcholine