Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Anžej Doma, Saša | Kristan, Aleša | Debeljak, Nataša | Preložnik Zupan, Irena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Congenital erythrocytosis (CE) is an extremely rare disease and an infrequent cause of heamoglobin and haematocrit elevation. Genetic testing of CE is not widely available. Patients in whom a cause of erythrocytosis is not identified are classified as idiopathic erythrocytosis (IE) patients. In some types of CE thrombotic events have been reported but there is little hard evidence to advise on management in asymptomatic patients. Similarly is true for patients with IE. We describe a young patient who suffered several thromboembolic complications before the diagnosis of CE type 4 was established.

Keywords: Congenital erythrocytosis, idiopathic erythrocytosis, thrombosis, DNA sequencing

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211120

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-5, 2021

Authors: Yang, Yanping | Mao, Wenkai | Wang, Liming | Lu, Lin | Pang, Yunfeng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, in which vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and migration play a vital role. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be correlated with the VSMCs function. Therefore, this study is designed to explore the role and mechanism of circRNA lipase maturation factor 1 (circLMF1) in Human aortic VSMCs (HASMCs). The microarray was used for detecting the expression of circLMF1 in proliferative and quiescent HASMCs. Levels of circLMF1, microRNA-125a-3p (miR-125a-3p), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell …viability, cell cycle progression, and migration were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Western blot assay determined proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2), osteopontin (OPN), VEGFA, and FGF1 protein levels. The possible interactions between miR-125a-3p and circLMF1, and miR-125a-3p and VEGFA or FGF1 were predicted by circbank or targetscan, and then verified by a dual-luciferase reporter, RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down assays. CircLMF1, VEGFA, and FGF1 were increased, and miR-125a-3p was decreased in platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-inducted HASMCs. Functionally, circLMF1 knockdown hindered cell viability, cell cycle progression, and migration in PDGF-BB-treated HASMCs. Mechanically, circLMF1 could regulate VEGFA or FGF1 expression through sponging miR-125a-3p. Our findings revealed that circLMF1 deficiency could inhibit cell viability, cell cycle progression, and migration of PDGF-BB stimulated atherosclerosis model partly through the miR-125a-3p/VEGFA or FGF1 axis, suggesting that targeting circLMF1 can be a feasible therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis. Show more

Keywords: CircLMF1, miR-125a-3p, VEGFA, FGF1, human aortic smooth muscle cells

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211166

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-17, 2021

Authors: Fornal, Maria | Lekki, Janusz | Królczyk, Jarosław | Wizner, Barbara | Grodzicki, Tomasz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The study aims at assessing the relationship between blood pressure, heart geometry parameters, and the erythrocyte content of sulfur, potassium, chlorine and phosphorus, in a group of patients with laboratory systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) below 140 or 90 mm Hg, respectively, who were otherwise healthy and untreated. METHODS: The study group consisted of 42 adults recruited in a primary care setting. The individuals were healthy, not undergoing any therapy and free from smoking. For each individual, data were obtained on: average 24-hour SBP and DBP, left ventricle geometry, complete blood count, lipids profile, fibrinogen, hs-CRP …and the erythrocyte concentration of sulfur (S), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl) and phosphorus (P). RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed statistically significant relationships of diastolic posterior wall thickness (PWTd) and relative wall thickness (RWT) with the concentration ratio of sulfur and potassium (S/K) in erythrocytes: PWTd and RWT increase as the S/K ratio increases. Also, SBP was found to be positively correlated with the S/K ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in sulfur content in RBCs could be an indicator of the downregulation of nitric oxide (NO) erythrocyte bioavailability exerted by endogenously produced hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), and, in consequence, a marker of the development of hypertension and/or adverse changes in heart geometry. Show more

Keywords: Blood pressure measurement/monitoring, heart geometry, elemental sulfur content of erythrocytes, microelement concentration in erythrocytes

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211117

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-14, 2021

Authors: Arihan, Okan | Nader, Elie | Oto, Gokhan | Kocak, Yilmaz | Fort, Romain | Connes, Philippe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic disorder characterized by chronic hemolysis and the presence of erythrocytes with low deformability, which may trigger vaso-occlusive crises. We tested the in-vitro effects of aqueous extract of vhives (Allium schoenoprasum L.) on erythrocyte deformability of SCA patients. Blood samples from 6 apparently healthy volunteers and 5 SCA patients were collected into heparin coated tubes. Both apparently healthy and SCA patient blood samples were incubated with 80μg/mL chives plant aqueous extract at 37°C for 60 min and erythrocyte deformability was measured by ektacytometry (3 Pa and 30 Pa; 37°C). Results of incubation …of apparently healthy blood samples with plant extract showed that incubation did not alter erythrocyte deformability significantly. However, for SCA blood samples, erythrocyte deformability decreased significantly with plant extract exposure at 3 Pa (p  <  0.043) and 30 Pa (p  <  0.043). In conclusion, although ex-vivo incubation with plant extract does not fully model gastrointestinal processing of onions, the decrease in SCA erythrocyte deformability following incubation with aqueous chives should stimulate further studies to test the in-vivo effects of this diet in sickle cell mice. Show more

Keywords: Chives, allium, erythrocyte deformability, ektacytometry, sickle cell anemia

DOI: 10.3233/CH-201036

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-5, 2021

Authors: Zhao, Yanan | Jiang, Tao | Lv, Kun | Pan, Minqiang | Wen, Qing | Huang, Pintong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim was to retrospectively analyze the ultrasonographic and clinical characteristics of focal inflammatory masses and malignant masses of salivary gland by using B-mode ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for differential analysis. METHODS: The features of US and CEUS were retrospectively analyzed for 19 cases of focal salivary inflammatory masses and 45 cases of malignant salivary masses. All cases were confirmed by pathohistological examination. RESULTS: On B-mode US, the incidence of expansive growth patterns of malignant salivary masses (44.4%, 20/45) was significantly higher than that of focal salivary inflammatory masses (15.8%, 3/19) (p  = 0.029). …The rate of lymphadenopathy surrounding salivary glands of malignant salivary masses (42.2%, 19/45) was significantly higher than that of focal salivary inflammatory masses (15.8%, 3/19) (p  = 0.042). On CEUS, clear enhancement margins were more common in malignant salivary masses (44.4%, 20/45) compared to focal salivary inflammatory masses (15.8%, 3/19) (p  = 0.029); Rapid washout was more common in malignant salivary masses (82.2%, 37/45) than focal salivary inflammatory masses (31.6%, 6/19) (p  <  0.001). Rapid washout on CEUS and craniocaudal diameter were independent predictive factors in differentiating salivary inflammatory masses and malignant masses according to binary logistic regression analysis. US and CEUS achieved a sensitivity of 80.0%, a specificity of 78.9%and an accuracy of 80.0%for discrimination between salivary inflammatory masses and malignant masses. CONCLUSION: Therefore, a multimodal ultrasonographic pathway combining clinical manifestations, B-mode US and CEUS was needed to differentiate between salivary focal inflammatory masses and malignancies to avoid unnecessary biopsies. Show more

Keywords: Chronic sialadenitis, salivary mass, ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211151

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2021

Authors: Wang, Peihua | Nie, Fang | Dong, Tiantian | Wang, Guojuan | Wang, Lan | Fan, Xiao

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 56 patients with surgically pathologically confirmed HCC lesions were included. Patients were classified according to the presence of MVI: MVI positive group (n  = 17) and MVI negative group (n  = 39). 2D-US and CEUS examinations were performed within two weeks before surgery. The 2D-US and CEUS features were analyzed for correlation with MVI. Statistically significant parameters of ultrasound characteristic were scored, and the results of the scores were analyzed by ROC curve. …RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in tumor shape, boundary, capsule, CEUS portal phase and delayed phase enhancement pattern, time to wash out, and tumor margin after enhancement (P  <  0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in tumor location and size, CEUS arterial phase enhancement pattern, initial time, time to peak, and peritumor enhancement (P  >  0.05). When diagnosing the presence of MVI in HCC patients with cut-off value of the score combined 2D-US and CEUS features≥3, the maximum Jorden index was 0.58, and its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 94.10%and 64.1%, respectively, meaning that the total score≥3 was highly suspicious of the presence of MVI. CONCLUSIONS: 2D-US and CEUS are feasible methods for preoperative prediction of MVI in HCC, and can provide some theoretical basis for individualized clinical treatment. Show more

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), microvascular invasion (MVI), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211190

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2021

Authors: Krasulina, K.A. | Glazkova, P.A. | Glazkov, A.A. | Kulikov, D.A. | Rogatkin, D.A. | Kovaleva, Y.A. | Bardeeva, J.N. | Dreval, A.V.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neurogenic regulation is involved in the development of microcirculation response to local heating. We suggest that microvascular reactivity can be used to estimate the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prospects for using the parameters of skin microvascular reactivity to determine the severity of DPN. METHODS: 26 patients with diabetes mellitus were included in the study (patients with retinopathy (n  = 15), and without retinopathy (n  = 11)). The severity of DPN was assessed using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and Norfolk QOL-DN (NQOLDN). Skin microcirculation was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry with local …heating test. RESULTS: There were revealed moderate negative correlations between microvascular reactivity and the severity of DPN (for MNSI (Rs = –0.430), for NQOLDN (Rs = –0.396)). In patients with retinopathy, correlations were stronger than in the general group (for MNSI (Rs = –0.770) and NQOLDN (Rs = –0.636)). No such correlations were found in patients without retinopathy. CONCLUSION: Correlation of the microvascular reactivity and DPN was revealed in patients with registered structural disorders in microvessels (retinopathy). The lack of such correlation in patients without retinopathy may be explained by the intact compensatory mechanisms of microvessels without severe disorders. Show more

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathies, microcirculation, skin, laser-Doppler flowmetry, diabetic retinopathy

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211177

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2021

Authors: Rother, Ulrich | Theune, Mona | Lang, Werner | Meyer, Alexander

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been established over years for treatment of chronic and complex wounds. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to investigate the effect NPWT on the microperfusion. METHODS: Prospective single centre analysis of patients treated with NPWT due to acute (ACUTE) wounds after fasciotomy or patients with chronic wounds (CHRONIC) due to a chronic limb threatening ischemia was performed. NPWT was conducted through a three days sequence with a negative pressure of –120 mmHg. Before after and during the entire period of therapy the microperfusion was assessed (O2C™, LEA Medizintechnik). …RESULTS: Comparison of the perfusion values of 28 patients (CHRONIC/ACUTE 5/23, women/men 8/20) before and after the NPWT sequence showed a non-significant improvement in the CHRONIC group (supine position: p  = 0.144, elevated position p  = 0.068) and a significant decrease in the ACUTE group (supine position p  = 0.012, elevated position p  = 0.034). This effect could also been demonstrated during the NPWT over time (CHRONIC: supine position: p  = 0.320, elevated position: p  = 0.053, ACUTE: supine position: p  = 0.021, elevated position: p  = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Microperfusion measurements showed alterations and differences in wound bed perfusion of acute and chronic wounds; acute wounds tended to a decrease of blood flow, whereas this effect was not seen in chronic wounds in peripheral artery disease. Show more

Keywords: Negative pressure therapy, microperfusion, CLTI, fasciotomy, O2C

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211189

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2021

Authors: Piao, Jinxiang | Yoo, Chaeyoung | Kim, SeonYoung | Whang, Youn-Wha | Choi, Cheol Ung | Shin, Sehyun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessment of platelet inhibition for aspirin therapy is important to manage patients who are at potential risk of developing thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate a new platelet assay (Anysis-Aspirin), compare it with VerifyNow-Aspirin in patients with cardiac diseases, and analyze the aspirin resistance rates between the two devices. METHODS: Citrated blood samples were collected from patients with cardiac diseases referred for the aspirin response test. In the Anysis assay, a test result was provided with a blood flow migration distance (MD) until blood flow stoppage, which was comparable to aspirin …reaction units (ARUs) obtained using VerifyNow. The measurements were simultaneously conducted using the two devices and compared. RESULTS: The MD without and with aspirin use was 160±33 and 254±23 mm, respectively (p  <  0.0001). Compared with VerifyNow (reference), the sensitivity and specificity of Anysis-200 were 96.3 and 90.3%, respectively (area under the curve, 0.968). Furthermore, the aspirin resistance rate in aspirin-administered patients was 20.9%using VerifyNow and 16.5%for Anysis-200. The Cohen’s kappa coefficient between the two devices was 0.81, indicating an almost perfect agreement between the two devices. CONCLUSIONS: Anysis-Aspirin, a novel aspirin assay for assessing platelet inhibition, showed excellent agreement with VerifyNow-Aspirin with high accuracy and precision. The Anysis-aspirin assay would be used as a point-of-care test to assess aspirin non-responsiveness and abnormal platelet reactivity. Show more

Keywords: Platelet function, aspirin, Anysis-200 analyzer, VerifyNow

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211171

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2021

Authors: Buono, Michael | Rostomily, Kaitlyn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It has previously been reported that chronic hypoxia increases blood viscosity. The increase is usually attributed to polycythemia-induced increases in hematocrit. However, the effect of acute hypoxia in humans on blood viscosity is unknown. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acute hypoxia, independent of changes in hematocrit, on blood and plasma viscosity. METHODS: Nine healthy volunteers breathed room air for 30 min, followed by 30 min of breathing 15% oxygen. Blood samples were collected at the end of both the normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and hematocrit …were measured in each sample. RESULTS: The mean±SD hemoglobin oxygen saturation significantly (P  <  0.05) decreased from 98±1% during normoxia to 87±2% during hypoxia. Hematocrit was essentially identical for the two conditions (42.1% vs. 42.0%). Blood viscosity was not significantly different for the two conditions with a mean of 2.89±0.17 cP during normoxia and 2.83±0.19 cP during hypoxia. Likewise, plasma viscosity was not significantly different for the two conditions with a mean of 1.19±0.04 cP during normoxia and 1.19±0.05 cP during hypoxia. CONCLUSION: Such results suggest that acute normobaric hypoxia, independent of changes in hematocrit, does not increase blood or plasma viscosity. Show more

Keywords: Blood viscosity, hypoxemia, hypoxia, hematocrit

DOI: 10.3233/CH-211125

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-4, 2021