The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Chronic Venous Disease

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Castro Ferreira, R (Author) FMUP; Cardoso, R (Author) Other; Leite-Moreira AF (Author) FMUP; Mansilha A. (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Annals of Vascular Surgery

Vol. 46

Pages: 380-393

ISSN: 0890-5096

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 87 Citations

Scopus - 99 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-B7V

DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2017.06.131

Abstract (EN): Chronic venous disease is a potentially prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals, mostly in Western world. Predisposing genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. However, the main etiology remains to be elucidated. An extensive literature search was conducted in Medline using the following key words algorithm: ("Chronic venous disease" OR "Chronic venous insufficiency" OR "varicose veins") AND ("endothelial dysfunction" OR "inflammation"). Besides being a multifactorial disease, it is now recognized that the hallmark of chronic venous disease pathophysiology likely remains in inflammation, possibly triggered by sustained venous hypertension and valvular incompetence. Shear stress changes are directly sensed by endothelial cells, leading to its activation and subsequent recruitment of leukocytes and release of proinflammatory agents. Dysfunctional endothelium has a pivotal role perpetuating the inflammatory cascade, with consequent pathological venous changes and chronic venous disease worsening. Endothelial dysfunction may be the central player in the link between varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. In this article, we aim to analyze the crucial role of endothelial activation in the persistent inflammatory cycle that characterizes chronic venous disease.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14