Primary varicose veins: elevated plasma levels of the soluble isoform of the VEGF receptor flt-1 (s.flt-1)

Abstract

Objectives: To examine plasma soluble flt-1 (s.flt-1) and its release in primary varicose (VVs) and normal veins.Methods: Patients with primary Ws (n = 13, CEAP grade II or above) and control subjects (n = 7) (all non-smokers, receiving no medications) rested supine for 15 min before cannulation of a foot vein. Following a further 10 min resting supine, blood was collected from an arm vein and foot vein. A below-knee cuff was applied and inflated to 90-95 mmHg for 10 min (to prompt a mild venous stasis). A further blood sample was collected from the foot vein. Plasma s.flt-1 was analysed by ELISA.Results: Baseline plasma s.flt-1 from the arm was similar in normal subjects and patients with VVs (P > 0.1). From the foot before cuff application, however, baseline plasma s.flt-1 was markedly elevated in VVs (P 0.1).Conclusions: Elevated plasma levels of s.flt-1 may be important in the pathogenesis of primary VVs, by potentially mediating the action(s) of vascular endothelial growth factor. (c) 2005 Royal Society of Medicine Press.