Influence of thrombophlebitis on TGF-β1 and its signaling pathway in the vein wall.

Extensive extracellular matrix remodeling of the vein wall is involved in varicose veins pathogenesis. This process is controlled by numerous factors, including peptide growth factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate influence of thrombophlebitis on TGF-β1 and its signaling pathway in the vein wall. TGF-β1 mRNAlevels, growth factor content and its expression were evaluated by RT-PCR, ELISA, and western blot methods, respectively, in the walls of normal veins, varicose veins and varicose veins complicated by thrombophlebitis. Western blot analysis was used to assess TGF-β receptor type II (TGF-β RII) and p-Smad2/3 protein expression in the investigated material. Unchanged mRNA levels of TGF-β1, decreased TGF-β1 content, as well as decreased expression of latent and active forms of TGF-β1 were found in varicose veins. Increased expression of TGF-β RII and p-Smad2/3 were found in varicose veins. Thrombophlebitis led to increased protein expression of the TGF-β1 active form and p-Smad2/3 in the vein wall compared to varicose veins. TGF-β1 may play a role in the disease pathogenesis because of increased expression and activation of its receptor in the wall of varicose veins. Thrombophlebitis accelerates activation of TGF-β1 and activity of its receptor in the varicose vein wall

Influence of thrombophlebitis on TGF-β1 and its signaling pathway in the vein wall.

Extensive extracellular matrix remodeling of the vein wall is involved in varicose veins pathogenesis. This process is controlled by numerous factors, including peptide growth factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate influence of thrombophlebitis on TGF-β1 and its signaling pathway in the vein wall. TGF-β1 mRNAlevels, growth factor content and its expression were evaluated by RT-PCR, ELISA, and western blot methods, respectively, in the walls of normal veins, varicose veins and varicose veins complicated by thrombophlebitis. Western blot analysis was used to assess TGF-β receptor type II (TGF-β RII) and p-Smad2/3 protein expression in the investigated material. Unchanged mRNA levels of TGF-β1, decreased TGF-β1 content, as well as decreased expression of latent and active forms of TGF-β1 were found in varicose veins. Increased expression of TGF-β RII and p-Smad2/3 were found in varicose veins. Thrombophlebitis led to increased protein expression of the TGF-β1 active form and p-Smad2/3 in the vein wall compared to varicose veins. TGF-β1 may play a role in the disease pathogenesis because of increased expression and activation of its receptor in the wall of varicose veins. Thrombophlebitis accelerates activation of TGF-β1 and activity of its receptor in the varicose vein wall

Assessment of inflammatory infiltration and angiogenesis in the thrombus and the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms on the basis of histological parameters and computed tomography angiography study

The proliferation of vessels within the aneurysm’s wall and the intraluminal thrombus of abdominalaortic aneurysm (AAA) may be the main factor responsible for progression and rupture of AAA. The aim of thisstudy was to compare the parameters of the thrombus (size, density, contrast enhancement) measured by computedtomography (CT) with histological assessment of thrombi removed during surgery. 29 patients with AAAwere examined with angio-CT. Post-surgery histopathological evaluation of AAA was performed. Slides werestained with markers of B- (CD20) and T-lymphocytes (CD3), and markers of endothelial cells (CD34). Thrombiwere enhanced after contrast media administration in angio-CT (p = 0.002). There was a statistically significantcorrelation between contrast enhancement and the presence of B lymphocytes. Intensity of endothelial cellmarker expression significantly correlated with the presence of inflammatory T- and B-cells. No statistical significantcorrelation was found between contrast enhancement of the thrombus and markers of endothelial cells.The accumulation of inflammatory cells in the wall of AAA thrombus results in the formation of new vesselswhich participates to the instability of the thrombus and AAA wall. Assessment of the inflammation and neovascularizationin the wall and thrombus of the AAA might be an important factor in monitoring the progressionand the risk of aneurysm’s rupture

Cross-sectional area of the femoral vein varies with leg position and distance from the inguinal ligament

<div><p>Purpose</p><p>The risk of complications associated with femoral venous catheterization could be potentially reduced if the procedure was performed at the location where the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vessel is the largest. The diameter of the femoral vein depends on leg position as well as the distance from the inguinal ligament. We determined the CSA of the right femoral vein in three different leg positions at two distances from the inguinal ligament.</p><p>Subjects and methods</p><p>Informed consent was given by 205 healthy volunteers aged 19–39 years, mean: 23±3 years (108 women, 97 men). Ultrasonographic examinations were performed using a linear 14-MHz transducer with CSA measurements in three leg positions: abduction, abduction+external rotation, abduction+external rotation+90° knee flexion/frog-leg position; at levels 20 mm caudally to the inguinal ligament, and 20 mm caudally to the inguinal crease.</p><p>Results</p><p>We found significant differences in mean values of CSA in three leg positions regardless of the measurement level. The largest mean CSA (114 mm²±35 mm²) was found at the proximal level in the frog-leg position. There was a significant association of the CSA with sex and height. The CSA in males was greater than in females in all leg positions at the level of 20 mm caudally to the inguinal crease, while 20 mm caudally to the inguinal ligament the CSA was larger in females. The CSA of 25% of the femoral vein was smaller than 45.0 mm² at the proximal level, and 31.5 mm² at the distal level, which refers to diameters of 5.3 mm, and 4.5 mm, respectively.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The cross-sectional area of the femoral vein is the largest in the frog-leg position, and depends on gender.</p></div

Leg position: Abduction + external rotation + 90° knee flexion/frog-leg.

<p>Leg position: Abduction + external rotation + 90° knee flexion/frog-leg.</p

The mean values, standard deviation, and quartile values for the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right femoral vein in leg positions 1, 3, 4, and 6 (males and females combined).

<p>The mean values, standard deviation, and quartile values for the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right femoral vein in leg positions 1, 3, 4, and 6 (males and females combined).</p

The cross-sectional area [mm²] of the right femoral vein in males and females at the proximal and distal levels in different leg positions.

<p>The cross-sectional area [mm²] of the right femoral vein in males and females at the proximal and distal levels in different leg positions.</p

Demographic data of the studied participants included in the analysis.

<p>Demographic data of the studied participants included in the analysis.</p