New insights into antiphospholipid-related endothelial dysfunction by assessment of vascular glycocalyx layer: results from a preliminary cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with greater atherothrombotic risk and endothelial dysfunction, suggesting that endothelial glycocalyx is impaired in this disease. Objectives The aim was to investigate the endothelial glycocalyx and the relationship between glycocalyx markers, endothelial dysfunction parameters and atherosclerotic markers in APS. Methods A total of 15 primary arterial APS patients and healthy controls were included in the study. Glycocalyx was assessed in both groups by sublingual sidestream dark field imaging and syndecan-1 plasma level. Endothelial function was evaluated by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and early atherosclerosis by carotid intima media thickness (IMT). Thrombotic profile was also performed by measuring the plasma level of the tissue factor (TF). Results APS patients had significantly increased syndecan-1 plasma level 38.6 ± 5.0 pg/ml vs. 19.1 ± 3.5 pg/ml; p < 0.01 and a reduced glycocalyx thickness 0.26 ± 0.03 µm vs. 0.75 ± 0.07 µm; p < 0.01 compared with control. FMD was impaired in APS patients compared with control, 5.68% ± 0.42 vs. 8.29 ± 0.30, p < 0.01, respectively. IMT was significantly increased in APS patients compared with control, 0.52 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.40 ± 0.06 mm, p < 0.01, respectively. Soluble TF, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were increased in the sera from APS patients compared with control. Conclusions This preliminary study supports, for the first time, that in APS patients endothelial glycocalyx is impaired, which could lead to thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerosis.