Abstract
Chronic venous disease (CVeD) has a remarkable prevalence, with an estimated annual incidence of 2%. It has been demonstrated how the loss of homeostatic mechanisms in the vein wall can take part in the physiopathology of CVeD. In this regard, it has been described how different axis, such as IGF-1/PAPP-A/STC-2 axis, may play an essential role in tissue homeostasis. The aim of this research is to study both genetic and protein expressions of the IGF-1/PAPP-A/STC-2 axis in CVeD patients. It is a cross-sectional study in which genetic (RT-qPCR) and protein (immunohistochemistry) expression analysis techniques were accomplished in saphenous veins from CVeD patients (n = 35) in comparison to individuals without vascular pathology (HV). Results show a significant increase in both genetic and protein expressions of PAPP-A and IGF-1, and a decrement STC-2 expression at the same time in CVeD patients. Our study is a pioneer for demonstrating that the expression of the different components of the IGF-1/PAPP-A/STC-2 axis is altered in CVeD patients. This fact can be a part of the loss of homeostatic mechanisms of the venous tissue. Further research should be destined to deepen into alterations of this axis, as well as to evaluate the usage of these components as therapeutic targets for CVeD.
Highlights
Chronic venous disease (CVeD) is described as a complex of disorders that affect the venous system, in which the presence of varicose veins (VV) implies the most important clinical manifestation [1]
Genetic expression study of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) showed no significant differences between the study groups, it did show an upward trend in CVeD patients (CVeD = 2:250 1⁄20:630 − 4:013 vs. HV = 2:014 1⁄21:036 − 3:068, p = 0:5559) (Figure 1(a))
A significant increase in the IGF-1 protein expression was observed in the vein wall from CVeD patients (CVeD = 2:000 1⁄20:500 − 3:000 vs. HV = 1:000 1⁄20:000 − 2:250, ∗p = 0:0104)
Summary
Chronic venous disease (CVeD) is described as a complex of disorders that affect the venous system, in which the presence of varicose veins (VV) implies the most important clinical manifestation [1]. It is a condition of great prevalence, more common amongst women and people aged 40-80 years, with an estimated annual incidence of 2% [2]. It is known that a change in the normal homeostasis of the tissue conforming the vein wall occurs Hereof, it has been described the potential determinant role of different axis such as the IGF-1/PAPP-A/STC-2 axis in tissue homeostasis [12]
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