Influence of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) on cutaneous microcirculation

Issue title: Selected articles of the 30th Annual Conference of the German Society for Clinical Microcirculation and Hemorheology (DGKMH), 18–21 June, 2011, Munich, Germany

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Leithäuser, B. | Mrowietz, C. | Park, J.-W. | Jung, F.

Affiliations: Asklepios Klinik Harburg, 1st Medical Department, Cardiology, Hamburg, Germany | Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany

Note: [] Corresponding author: Boris Leithäuser, MD, 1st Medical Department, Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik Harburg, Eissendorfer Pferdeweg 52, 21075 Hamburg, Germany. Tel.: +49 40 1818 86 5073; Fax: +49 40 1818 86 2431; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Background: The protective effect of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) in primary and secondary prophylaxis of cardiovascular events is attributed to the inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase (COX). However, a recent animal study found a vasodilating and blood pressure lowering effect of aspirin independent of COX, but mediated by inhibition of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway. Method: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. In each instance 5 healthy volunteers received either aspirin 500 mg/d or placebo for 7 days. Capillary red blood cell velocity (vRBC) at rest and after postischemic hyperemia was determined on day 1 and 7 by means of nailfold capillary microscopy. Results: In the aspirin group after 7 days a significant increase of vRBC was found at rest and during hyperemia. In the placebo group vRBC did not change. The finding was confirmed by the cross-over design of the study. Conclusion: Aspirin at a dosage of 500 mg/d has an impact on vasoregulation in the microcirculation. At present, the underlying mode of action in humans is unknown.

Keywords: Aspirin, microcirculation

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1440

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 50, no. 1-2, pp. 25-34, 2012