Abstract
Aims: Although the aetiology of varicose veins remains unknown, recent studies have focused on endothelial cell integrity and function. Among the regulatory factors of vessel tone, synthesises, pro- and anti-inflammatory, adhesion molecules and the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), which are responsible for recruiting leukocytes, are very important.
Methods: Investigation in this study focused on the expression of ICAM-1, E-selectin and HIF-1α on endothelial cells using immunostaining and RT-PCR in varicose vein specimens compared with controls.
Results: Findings of this study showed alterations of the intima, such as focal intimal discontinuity and denudation of endothelium in varicose veins. Based on data derived from immunostaining and RT-PCR, no major differences were identified between ICAM-1 and E-selectin expression in varicose vein specimens compared with controls. In contrast, immunostaining results identified HIF-1α expression in five (5/20) varicose vein specimens, whereas no control saphenous vein specimens expressed HIF-1α.
Conclusions: These findings could explain other evidence of hypoxia in varicose veins. Finally, results already obtained in this investigation suggest that the process of pathogenesis of varicose veins is not restricted to the role of adhesion molecules.
Acknowledgements
My gratitude goes to Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences & Health Services and Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Islamic Republic of Iran for providing the financial assistance which gave me the opportunity to study for my PhD in the UK.