A Study of Microcirculation in the Foot of Dark‐Skin Africans and Light‐Skin Caucasians.

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the racial differences in the microcirculation of the foot among dark‐skin Africans (DSA – 20 males) and light‐skin Caucasians (LSC – 20 males) using laser doppler flowmetry (LDF). The participants were all males between the ages of 18 to 20. The average values of the microcirculation parameters (PM) in the subjects with high (DSA) and low (LSC) degree of skin pigmentation on the first toe of the foot were [Plantar surface: Blood perfusion – 6.8±0.8 perfusion units (PU), Flux – 1.8±0.4 perfusion units (PU), Fluxmotion index – 1.3±0.19; Dorsal surface: Blood perfusion – 3.3±0.6 perfusion unit (PU), Flux – 1.8±0.4 perfusion units, Fluxmotion index – 0.6±0.1] and [Plantar surface: Blood perfusion – 7.2±0.7 perfusion units (PU), Flux – 1.9±0.2 perfusion units (PU), Fluxmotion index – 1.4±0.16; Dorsal surface: Blood perfusion – 4.7±0.6 perfusion unit (PU), Flux – 1.5±0.1 perfusion units, Fluxmotion index – 1.1±0.1], respectively. Our research reported no significant difference in the microcirculation parameters on the plantar surface of the first toe in both DSA and LSC. This indicates that both groups at the level of the microcirculatory system triggered the same type of regulatory mechanisms. On the dorsal surface of the first toe, where there is significant difference in melanin content, we recorded significant differences in the parameters of microcirculation. Thus, blood perfusion in LSC was 30% higher than in DSA. However, on the dorsal surface of the first toe, flux was 87% higher in those surveyed with less melanin (LSC) than in those surveyed with more melanin (DSA). The average Fluxmotion index on the dorsal surface of the first toe was 45% higher in those with less melanin than in those with more melanin. In conclusion, we can hypothesize that the high content of melanin in the skin shields the probing signal, leading to a decrease in Laser Doppler Flowmetry metrics.Support or Funding InformationResearch supported by the Department of Human Anatomy at RUDN University, Moscow, RussiaMeasurement of microcirculation in the foot of a light‐skin Caucasian using Laser Doppler Flowmetry (Lakk‐OP).Figure 1Measurement of microcirculation in the foot of a dark‐skin African using Laser Doppler Flowmetry (Lakk‐OP).Figure 2