Pathogenesis of varicose veins.
Despite the high prevalence of varicose veins and the recent surge in research on the condition, the precise mechanisms underlying their development remain uncertain. In the past decade, there has been a shift from initial theories based on purely mechanical factors to hypotheses pointing to complex molecular changes causing histologic alterations in the vessel wall and extracellular matrix. Despite progress in understanding the molecular aspects of venous insufficiency, therapies for symptomatic varicose veins are directed toward anatomic and physical interventions. The present report reviews current evidence identifying the underlying biochemical alterations in the pathogenesis of varicose veins.
Division of Vascular Imaging and Intervention, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, 290 Gray/Bigelow, Boston, MA 02114, USA. roklu@partners.org
Rahmi
R
Oklu
Roy
R
Habito
Manuel
M
Mayr
Amy R
AR
Deipolyi
Hassan
H
Albadawi
Robin
R
Hesketh
T Gregory
TG
Walker
Katy R
KR
Linskey
Chandler A
CA
Long
Stephan
S
Wicky
Julianne
J
Stoughton
Michael T
MT
Watkins
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000473:pathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta