8-epi-PGF 2α and 6-oxo-PGFα in Human (Varicose) Veins: Influence of Age, Sex, and Risk Factors

Abstract

The isoprostane 8-epi PGF 2α is a vasoconstrictive, mitogenic, proliferative, and mild proaggre gatory agent. We examined 8-epi-PGF 2α and 6-oxo-PGF1α from venous tissue derived from varicose (venous) surgery by means of a specific radioimmunoassay. A total of 336 samples from 82 patients (50 females, 32 males; aged 22-68 years) were examined. Tissue samples were classified according to normal, dilated, and varicose. Of these, 94 samples from 31 patients (20 females, 11 males; aged 29-64 years) with additional risk factors (cigarette smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus) were determined in the same way. Mean absolute values for 6-oxo-PGF1α are not significantly higher for dilated segments followed by varicose and intact samples. No significant age and sex differences can be monitored. Presence of risk factors, however, results in a significantly diminished 6-oxo-PGF1α, irrespective of morphology. 8-epi-PGF 2α again showed no age and sex dependence, its presence in varicose segments, however, was significantly (p<0.01) decreased. Risk factors resulted in a significantly increased 8-epi-PGF2α. These data indicate that the influence of risk factors on vasomodulatory (iso-)eicosanoids of human veins is more pronounced than the actual morphologic stage. Lower 8-epi-PGF2α in varicose veins may shift the venous tone toward vasodilatation and contribute to development and progression of varicosis.