Abstract
In this study, we aimed at performing a histomorphometric analysis of human left internal thoracic artery (ITA) samples as well as at correlating the histomorphometric findings with the clinical profile, including risk factors and medication. Distal segments of ITA were obtained from 54 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Histological observation was performed in paraffin-embedded transverse sections of ITA through four staining protocols: hematoxylin-eosin, van Gieson, Masson’s trichrome and von Kossa. Morphometric analysis included the intimal width (IW), medial width (MW) and intima/media ratio (IMR). No overt atherosclerotic lesions were observed. Mild calcifications were observed across the vascular wall layers in almost all samples. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed associations between IW and IMR and the following clinical variables: age, gender, kidney function expressed as eGFR and myocardial infarction history. Age (odds ratio = 1.16, P = 0.004), female gender (odds ratio = 11.34, P = 0.011), eGFR (odds ratio = 1.03, P = 0.059) and myocardial infarction history (odds ratio = 4.81, P = 0.040) were identified as the main clinical predictors for intimal hyperplasia. Preatherosclerotic lesions in ITA samples from patients undergoing coronary revascularization were associated not only with classical cardiovascular risk factors such as age and gender, but also with other clinical variables, namely kidney function and myocardial infarction history.
Highlights
Vascular structural changes have been associated with cardiovascular diseases [1]
Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, the following independent clinical predictors for intimal hyperplasia were identified: (a) age, female gender, kidney function measured as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and myocardial infarction history
Due to a higher functional and structural integrity, the human internal thoracic artery (ITA) has been recognized as a special vessel, which has been used in a wide array of studies, including as a model to study vascular physiology
Summary
Vascular structural changes have been associated with cardiovascular diseases [1]. In particular, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is associated with risk factors [2] and is an independent predictor for cardiovascular outcomes [1, 3,4,5]. The authors showed that increased brachial IMT was associated with decreased flow-mediated dilation, suggesting a strong connection between the structural and functional properties of the vascular system. Several reports have provided distinct evidence in regard to the relationship between the structural properties of the ITA and cardiovascular risk factors, as previously reviewed by us [6]. In this context, we aimed at performing a histomorphometric analysis of ITA samples and at correlating the histomorphometric findings with the clinical profile, including risk factors and medication
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
