TGF-β₁ Upregulation in the Aging Varicose Vein

Publisher： Karger

E-ISSN： 1423-0135|44|3|192-201

ISSN： 1018-1172

Source： Journal of Vascular Research, Vol.44, Iss.3, 2007-02, pp. : 192-201

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Abstract

Background: Although the etiology of venous insufficiency is not well understood, immune response and aging are beginning to emerge as contributing factors. Factors involved in tissue remodeling such as TGF-β₁ also seem to play an important role in extracellular matrix production. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between chronic venous insufficiency and TGF-β₁ examining the latent/mature form of TGF-β₁ and the presence of mast cells. Effects of age were also evaluated. Methods: Saphenous veins were obtained from patients subjected to aortocoronary bypass (controls) and undergoing varicose vein surgery. These were immunolabeled using anti-LAP TGF-β₁/anti-TGF-β₁ antibodies and subjected to Western blot. Mast cell population was identified by metachromatic staining.Results:Latent TGF-β₁ was significantly reduced in varicose veins from older subjects. In contrast, smooth muscle cells obtained from the varicosities showed intense levels. Mature TGF-β₁ significantly differed between healthy and varicose veins. No mature TGF-β₁ was detected in the cell cultures. Mast cell number and degranulation were increased with aging and varicose disease, colocalizing with the mature form of TGF-β₁. Conclusion: Aging and varicose pathology induce dysregulation of TGF-β₁ that could play an important role in the fibrous process, representing the final stages of venous insufficiency.