Tissue remodeling investigation in varicose veins

Although the etiology of varicose veins remains unknown, recent studies have focused on endothelial cell
integrity and function because the endothelium regulates vessel tone and synthesizes many pro- and antiinflammatory factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the evidence involving the endothelium in the
development of varicose vein disease. In addition, tissue remodeling was investigated in varicose veins to
determine the expression of different types of collagen. Tissue specimens of superficial varicose veins and
control saphenous vein were used for immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscope (TEM). αsmooth muscle actin, and collagen I, III, IV antibodies were applied for immunohistochemical investigation.
Findings of this study showed alterations of the intima, such as focal intimal discontinuity and denudation of
endothelium; and the media, such as irregular arrangements of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibres in
varicose veins. Our findings showed some changes in terms of distribution of types I, III and IV collagen in the
intima and media of varicose vein walls compared with controls. These alterations to the media suggest that the
pathological abnormality in varicose veins may be due to the loss of muscle tone as a result of the breakup of its
regular structure by the collagen fibres. These findings only described some changes in terms of distribution of
these types of collagen in the intima and media of varicose vein walls which may result in venous wall
dysfunction in varicosis.