Belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) improves muscle strength, mass, and exercise tolerance. However, its effects on skeletal muscle microvascular responsiveness remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of a single B-SES session on gastrocnemius microvascular responsiveness in healthy young men.
Methods
In this randomized crossover study, 12 healthy young men (mean age: 20.8 ± 1.0 years) underwent two 20-min conditions: electrical stimulation at the sensory threshold (Sham, n = 12) and at the maximum intensity not causing discomfort (B-SES, n = 12). Gastrocnemius metabolic rate (tissue oxygen saturation [StO2] downslope) and microvascular reperfusion rate (StO2 upslope) were assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy and a vascular occlusion test.
Results
In the B-SES condition, the StO2 downslope significantly steepened (Pre: −0.15 ± 0.03 %·s−1, Post: −0.20 ± 0.03 %·s−1, p = 0.002). The StO2 upslope also significantly steepened (Pre: 1.58 ± 0.52 %·s−1, Post: 2.56 ± 0.71 %·s−1, p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between the StO2 downslope and StO2 upslope (r = −0.581, p = 0.047). No significant changes were observed in the Sham condition.
Conclusions
A single B-SES session applied to the lower extremity significantly increased gastrocnemius metabolic rate and was associated with enhanced microvascular reperfusion. These findings suggest B-SES may be a useful therapeutic approach to improving microvascular responsiveness, particularly in individuals with limited exercise capacity.
目的:带状电极-骨骼肌电刺激(B-SES)可以提高肌肉力量、质量和运动耐受性。然而,其对骨骼肌微血管反应性的影响尚不清楚。在这项研究中,我们调查了单次B-SES对健康年轻男性腓肠肌微血管反应性的急性影响。方法在这项随机交叉研究中,12名健康年轻男性(平均年龄:20.8±1.0岁)接受了两种20分钟的条件:感觉阈值电刺激(Sham, n = 12)和不引起不适的最大强度电刺激(B-SES, n = 12)。采用近红外光谱和血管闭塞试验评估腓肠肌代谢率(组织氧饱和度[StO2]下坡)和微血管再灌注率(StO2上坡)。结果在B-SES条件下,StO2下坡明显变陡(Pre:−0.15±0.03%·s−1,Post:−0.20±0.03%·s−1,p = 0.002)。StO2上坡也显著变陡(Pre: 1.58±0.52%·s−1,Post: 2.56±0.71%·s−1,p <;0.001)。StO2下坡与StO2上坡呈显著负相关(r = - 0.581, p = 0.047)。假手术组未见明显变化。结论下肢单次B-SES治疗可显著提高腓肠肌代谢率,微血管再灌注增强。这些发现表明,B-SES可能是改善微血管反应性的有效治疗方法,特别是对于运动能力有限的个体。
{"title":"Acute effects of belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation on microvascular responsiveness of the gastrocnemius muscle in healthy young men","authors":"Hajime Tamiya , Hina Kawashiri , Toshiaki Miyamoto , Yuko Kurosawa , Takafumi Hamaoka , Atsuhiro Tsubaki","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) improves muscle strength, mass, and exercise tolerance. However, its effects on skeletal muscle microvascular responsiveness remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of a single B-SES session on gastrocnemius microvascular responsiveness in healthy young men.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized crossover study, 12 healthy young men (mean age: 20.8 ± 1.0 years) underwent two 20-min conditions: electrical stimulation at the sensory threshold (Sham, <em>n</em> = 12) and at the maximum intensity not causing discomfort (B-SES, n = 12). Gastrocnemius metabolic rate (tissue oxygen saturation [StO<sub>2</sub>] downslope) and microvascular reperfusion rate (StO<sub>2</sub> upslope) were assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy and a vascular occlusion test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the B-SES condition, the StO<sub>2</sub> downslope significantly steepened (Pre: −0.15 ± 0.03 %·s<sup>−1</sup>, Post: −0.20 ± 0.03 %·s<sup>−1</sup>, <em>p</em> = 0.002). The StO<sub>2</sub> upslope also significantly steepened (Pre: 1.58 ± 0.52 %·s<sup>−1</sup>, Post: 2.56 ± 0.71 %·s<sup>−1</sup>, <em>p</em> < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between the StO<sub>2</sub> downslope and StO<sub>2</sub> upslope (<em>r</em> = −0.581, <em>p</em> = 0.047). No significant changes were observed in the Sham condition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A single B-SES session applied to the lower extremity significantly increased gastrocnemius metabolic rate and was associated with enhanced microvascular reperfusion. These findings suggest B-SES may be a useful therapeutic approach to improving microvascular responsiveness, particularly in individuals with limited exercise capacity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104840"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144595548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104841
Arnaldo Dubin
{"title":"Letter to the editor: “Pitfalls in the assessment of microcirculation”","authors":"Arnaldo Dubin","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104841","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104841","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104841"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144572148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104835
Simone Woodruff , Benjamin Zimmerman , Kevin J. Elk , Jennifer E. Jenks , Danica Bojovic , Anusha Mishra
Ex vivo imaging in acute cortical brain slices is a valuable tool to assess neurovascular coupling and is particularly useful for studying active, local changes in microvascular compartments in isolation from upstream or downstream changes in flow. However, the lack of vascular perfusion pressure ex vivo results in loss of vascular tone, which must be restored prior to experiments to unmask dilatory signals. The thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U46619 is a widely used preconstrictor, yet its dose-response properties and kinetics of action on different vascular segments are not fully known. Here, we characterize the effects of U46619 on cortical arterioles and capillaries in ex vivo slices from rats and mice. Dose response curves tested in acute rat brain slices using 0 to 1000 nM U46619 showed that maximal constriction is reached at ∼300 nM in both arterioles and capillaries. Extended application of 200 nM U46619 (∼66 % maximal dose) over 2 h revealed that, on average, capillaries constrict faster than arterioles in rat brain slices. Cross-species examination in mouse tissue showed that vessels in mouse brain slices respond faster and constrict stronger on average than in rat brain slices, and that mouse capillaries also constrict faster than mouse arterioles. Our observations suggest that near-maximal preconstriction can be achieved in ex vivo experiments using 200–300 nM U46619, with a minimum incubation time of 20 min for studies involving capillaries and at least 30 min for studies involving arterioles.
{"title":"Kinetics of thromboxane A2 receptor-driven vascular tone in the cerebral cortex ex vivo","authors":"Simone Woodruff , Benjamin Zimmerman , Kevin J. Elk , Jennifer E. Jenks , Danica Bojovic , Anusha Mishra","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104835","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ex vivo</em> imaging in acute cortical brain slices is a valuable tool to assess neurovascular coupling and is particularly useful for studying active, local changes in microvascular compartments in isolation from upstream or downstream changes in flow. However, the lack of vascular perfusion pressure <em>ex vivo</em> results in loss of vascular tone, which must be restored prior to experiments to unmask dilatory signals. The thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U46619 is a widely used preconstrictor, yet its dose-response properties and kinetics of action on different vascular segments are not fully known. Here, we characterize the effects of U46619 on cortical arterioles and capillaries in <em>ex vivo</em> slices from rats and mice. Dose response curves tested in acute rat brain slices using 0 to 1000 nM U46619 showed that maximal constriction is reached at ∼300 nM in both arterioles and capillaries. Extended application of 200 nM U46619 (∼66 % maximal dose) over 2 h revealed that, on average, capillaries constrict faster than arterioles in rat brain slices. Cross-species examination in mouse tissue showed that vessels in mouse brain slices respond faster and constrict stronger on average than in rat brain slices, and that mouse capillaries also constrict faster than mouse arterioles. Our observations suggest that near-maximal preconstriction can be achieved in <em>ex vivo</em> experiments using 200–300 nM U46619, with a minimum incubation time of 20 min for studies involving capillaries and at least 30 min for studies involving arterioles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104835"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104839
Minyoung Kwak , Brian Benitez , Clara J. Mitchinson , Erik R. Snell , Haley C. Bergstrom
Purpose
This study investigated fatigability, reflected by torque responses and time to task failure (TTF), and time course of muscle oxygenation (SmO2) dynamics, as well as microvascular function assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy-vascular occlusion test (NIRS-VOT), in response to low-intensity, isometric forearm flexion anchored to a constant rating of perceived exertion (RPE) level of 3 (0–10 scale).
Methods
Twenty-five healthy young adults (22.9 ± 4.8 yr) completed a pre-exercise VOT, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and RPE-clamp exercise (RPE = 3), followed by post-exercise MVIC and VOT. Initial torque, TTF, and SmO2 dynamics were recorded during the RPE-clamp exercise. The time course of SmO2 was analyzed in 5 % TTF segments. During the VOTs, slope 1 (desaturation rate), minimum SmO2, slope 2 (reperfusion rate), maximum SmO2, and area under the curve (AUC) were recorded.
Results
MVIC torque significantly decreased from pre- to post-exercise (−13.9 % ± 14.0 %; p < 0.001). Initial torque was 23.3 ± 10.3 % MVIC, and TTF was 436.3 ± 252.0 s. SmO2 declined significantly from 0 % to 5 % TTF (p = 0.005), but returned to the initial value and remained stable across subsequent time intervals. Compared to pre-VOT, post-VOT exhibited significantly lower slope 1 (p < 0.001) and minimum SmO2 (p = 0.002), and greater maximum SmO2 (p = 0.013), while slope 2 (p = 0.065) and AUC (p = 0.379) were unchanged.
Conclusions
During the RPE-clamp exercise, the voluntary reduction in torque to maintain the assigned RPE likely resulted in stable muscle oxygen availability, preventing the development of hypoxic stimulus needed to enhance microvascular responsiveness. However, the low-intensity isometric RPE-clamp exercise combined with a post-VOT may enhance muscle aerobic metabolism through sustained oxygen utilization.
{"title":"Influence of isometric RPE-clamp exercise on fatigability, muscle oxygenation dynamics, and microvascular function in healthy young adults","authors":"Minyoung Kwak , Brian Benitez , Clara J. Mitchinson , Erik R. Snell , Haley C. Bergstrom","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104839","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104839","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study investigated fatigability, reflected by torque responses and time to task failure (TTF), and time course of muscle oxygenation (SmO<sub>2</sub>) dynamics, as well as microvascular function assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy-vascular occlusion test (NIRS-VOT), in response to low-intensity, isometric forearm flexion anchored to a constant rating of perceived exertion (RPE) level of 3 (0–10 scale).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-five healthy young adults (22.9 ± 4.8 yr) completed a pre-exercise VOT, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and RPE-clamp exercise (RPE = 3), followed by post-exercise MVIC and VOT. Initial torque, TTF, and SmO<sub>2</sub> dynamics were recorded during the RPE-clamp exercise. The time course of SmO<sub>2</sub> was analyzed in 5 % TTF segments. During the VOTs, slope 1 (desaturation rate), minimum SmO<sub>2</sub>, slope 2 (reperfusion rate), maximum SmO<sub>2</sub>, and area under the curve (AUC) were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>MVIC torque significantly decreased from pre- to post-exercise (−13.9 % ± 14.0 %; <em>p</em> < 0.001). Initial torque was 23.3 ± 10.3 % MVIC, and TTF was 436.3 ± 252.0 s. SmO<sub>2</sub> declined significantly from 0 % to 5 % TTF (<em>p</em> = 0.005), but returned to the initial value and remained stable across subsequent time intervals. Compared to pre-VOT, post-VOT exhibited significantly lower slope 1 (<em>p</em> < 0.001) and minimum SmO<sub>2</sub> (<em>p</em> = 0.002), and greater maximum SmO<sub>2</sub> (<em>p</em> = 0.013), while slope 2 (<em>p</em> = 0.065) and AUC (<em>p</em> = 0.379) were unchanged.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>During the RPE-clamp exercise, the voluntary reduction in torque to maintain the assigned RPE likely resulted in stable muscle oxygen availability, preventing the development of hypoxic stimulus needed to enhance microvascular responsiveness. However, the low-intensity isometric RPE-clamp exercise combined with a post-VOT may enhance muscle aerobic metabolism through sustained oxygen utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104839"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144548508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104834
Mayinuer Yusufu , Robert N. Weinreb , Mengtian Kang , Algis J. Vingrys , Xianwen Shang , Lei Zhang , Danli Shi , Mingguang He
Purpose
To investigate structural relationships between retinal vasculometry from color fundus photography (CFP) and neural layers obtained from Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used the Retina-based Microvascular Health Assessment System (RMHAS) to extract retinal vascular measurements in the 6*6 mm area centered on the macular region and analyzed their associations with OCT parameters. We investigated both pairwise correlations between individual retinal layers and vascular parameters and associations between sets of variables. Mendelian randomization was employed to investigate potential causality.
Results
Data from 67,918 eyes of 43,029 participants were included. Among neural layers, Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer (GC-IPL) showed the most notable correlations with vascular Density and Complexity (r = 0.199 for arterial Vessel Area Density and r = 0.175 for Number of Segments). Inner Nuclear Layer (INL) thickness correlated with Width (r = 0.122) and arterial Vessel Area Density (r = 0.127). Mendelian randomization indicated a bidirectional causal relationship. Genetically predicted higher Vessel Density was associated with increased thickness across various retinal layers, with standardized effect size of 1.50 on Inner Segment/Outer Segment + Photoreceptor Segment thickness. Genetically predicted increases in retinal layer thicknesses, particularly the Outer Plexiform Layer, were linked to higher Vessel Density (standardized effect size 0.45) and Fractal Dimension (standardized effect size 0.48).
Conclusions
GC-IPL and INL were positively associated with vascular Density and Caliber. Multidimensional relationships indicate a complementary nature between retinal vascular and neural parameters, highlighting their value as a composite biomarker. Mendelian Randomization uncovered a bidirectional causal relationship, providing insights into novel therapeutic approaches targeting vascular and neuronal components.
{"title":"Structural and causal links between retinal vascular geometry and neural layer thickness","authors":"Mayinuer Yusufu , Robert N. Weinreb , Mengtian Kang , Algis J. Vingrys , Xianwen Shang , Lei Zhang , Danli Shi , Mingguang He","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104834","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104834","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To investigate structural relationships between retinal vasculometry from color fundus photography (CFP) and neural layers obtained from Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study used the Retina-based Microvascular Health Assessment System (RMHAS) to extract retinal vascular measurements in the 6*6 mm area centered on the macular region and analyzed their associations with OCT parameters. We investigated both pairwise correlations between individual retinal layers and vascular parameters and associations between sets of variables. Mendelian randomization was employed to investigate potential causality.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data from 67,918 eyes of 43,029 participants were included. Among neural layers, Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer (GC-IPL) showed the most notable correlations with vascular Density and Complexity (<em>r</em> = 0.199 for arterial Vessel Area Density and <em>r</em> = 0.175 for Number of Segments). Inner Nuclear Layer (INL) thickness correlated with Width (<em>r</em> = 0.122) and arterial Vessel Area Density (<em>r</em> = 0.127). Mendelian randomization indicated a bidirectional causal relationship. Genetically predicted higher Vessel Density was associated with increased thickness across various retinal layers, with standardized effect size of 1.50 on Inner Segment/Outer Segment + Photoreceptor Segment thickness. Genetically predicted increases in retinal layer thicknesses, particularly the Outer Plexiform Layer, were linked to higher Vessel Density (standardized effect size 0.45) and Fractal Dimension (standardized effect size 0.48).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>GC-IPL and INL were positively associated with vascular Density and Caliber. Multidimensional relationships indicate a complementary nature between retinal vascular and neural parameters, highlighting their value as a composite biomarker. Mendelian Randomization uncovered a bidirectional causal relationship, providing insights into novel therapeutic approaches targeting vascular and neuronal components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104834"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-26DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104836
Akshita Sharma , Timothy W. Secomb
The goal of this study is to analyze the effects of changes of blood flow in penetrating arterioles (PAs) on the spatial distribution of tissue oxygen levels in the cerebral cortex. A theoretical model is used to simulate blood flow and oxygen transport in the cortical microcirculation. Networks containing up to 20,000 vessel segments, covering regions up to 1.1 mm2, are generated by combining multiple hexagonal units, each fed by one PA. Varying numbers of adjacent PAs are constricted to 50 % of their original diameters, resulting in PA flow reduction by 93 %. With constriction of one or two PAs, the predicted minimum oxygen partial pressure is in the range 10–20 mmHg, corresponding to mild hypoxia. When three or more adjacent PAs are constricted, severe hypoxia (partial pressure below 10 mmHg) is predicted. Thus, oxygenation of the cortex is predicted to be only mildly affected by flow reduction in isolated PAs, but vulnerable to flow reduction in multiple adjacent PAs. Further simulations are used to explore the effects of flow redistribution while holding overall perfusion constant. If one PA is constricted and one adjacent PA is dilated, mild hypoxia is present. With three PAs constricted and four adjacent PAs dilated, regions of both mild and severe hypoxia are predicted. These results show that redistribution of blood flow, caused for instance by disruption of mechanisms for local blood flow regulation, can result in tissue hypoxia, even in the absence of reduced perfusion.
{"title":"A theoretical model for oxygen transport to the cerebral cortex: effects of flow redistribution by penetrating arterioles","authors":"Akshita Sharma , Timothy W. Secomb","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The goal of this study is to analyze the effects of changes of blood flow in penetrating arterioles (PAs) on the spatial distribution of tissue oxygen levels in the cerebral cortex. A theoretical model is used to simulate blood flow and oxygen transport in the cortical microcirculation. Networks containing up to 20,000 vessel segments, covering regions up to 1.1 mm<sup>2</sup>, are generated by combining multiple hexagonal units, each fed by one PA. Varying numbers of adjacent PAs are constricted to 50 % of their original diameters, resulting in PA flow reduction by 93 %. With constriction of one or two PAs, the predicted minimum oxygen partial pressure is in the range 10–20 mmHg, corresponding to mild hypoxia. When three or more adjacent PAs are constricted, severe hypoxia (partial pressure below 10 mmHg) is predicted. Thus, oxygenation of the cortex is predicted to be only mildly affected by flow reduction in isolated PAs, but vulnerable to flow reduction in multiple adjacent PAs. Further simulations are used to explore the effects of flow redistribution while holding overall perfusion constant. If one PA is constricted and one adjacent PA is dilated, mild hypoxia is present. With three PAs constricted and four adjacent PAs dilated, regions of both mild and severe hypoxia are predicted. These results show that redistribution of blood flow, caused for instance by disruption of mechanisms for local blood flow regulation, can result in tissue hypoxia, even in the absence of reduced perfusion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104836"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-26DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104838
Ruijin Hong , Beilei Li , Hui Chen , Jiaxin Zhong , Yuxiang Chen , Yuanming Yan , Lianglong Chen , Qin Chen , Yukun Luo
Objectives
We investigated the predictive value of the average microvascular resistance of the three main vessels (3VA-AMR) for the prognosis of patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods
This study was conducted on patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) analysis was conducted on all patients' PCI angiography images to assess postoperative QFR and angio-based microvascular resistance (AMR) for three main vessels. All enrolled patients were devided into two groups based on the criteria for coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD): high 3VA-AMR group and low 3VA-AMR group. The primary outcome was 2-year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization.
Results
A total of 290 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with the low 3VA-AMR group, the three vessels of high 3VA-AMR group showed lower area stenosis (49.46 ± 13.70 % vs. 52.93 ± 15.43 %,P = 0.001), higher QFR value (0.92 ± 0.05 vs. 0.88 ± 0.09, P < 0.001), and higher AMR value (274.50 [257.33–301.42] mmHg*s/m vs. 208.00 [182.00–231.83] mmHg*s/m, P < 0.001). The incidence of 2-year MACEs was significantly higher in the high 3VA-AMR group than in the low 3VA-AMR group (21.90 % vs. 10.27 %, P = 0.007). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed that 3VA-AMR was independently associated with 2-year MACEs (HR:1.007, 95 % CI:1.004–1.010, P < 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier method further confirmed the difference in 2-year MACE risk between two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a significant correlation between 3VA-AMR and MACE (area under the curve: 0.701, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
3VA-AMR was an independent risk factor for 2-year MACEs in NSTEMI patients. Compared with target-vessel AMR, 3VA-AMR demonstrated superior predictive value for 2-year MACEs following PCI.
目的:探讨三主血管平均微血管阻力(3VA-AMR)对经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)后非st段抬高型心肌梗死(NSTEMI)患者预后的预测价值。方法:本研究于2021年3月1日至2022年2月28日在福建医科大学协和医院行PCI的NSTEMI患者进行。对所有患者PCI血管造影图像进行定量血流比(QFR)分析,评估术后三条主要血管的QFR和血管微血管阻力(AMR)。所有入组患者根据冠状动脉微血管功能障碍(CMD)标准分为高3VA-AMR组和低3VA-AMR组。主要终点是2年主要不良心脏事件(mace),包括心血管死亡、心肌梗死和缺血驱动的血运重建术。结果:290例患者纳入最终分析。与低3VA-AMR组相比,高3VA-AMR组三支血管狭窄程度较低(49.46 ± 13.70 %比52.93 ± 15.43 %,P = 0.001),QFR值较高(0.92±0.05比0.88±0.09,P < 0.001), AMR值较高(274.50 [257.33-301.42]mmHg*s/m比208.00 [182.00-231.83]mmHg*s/m, P < 0.001)。高3VA-AMR组2年mace发生率显著高于低3VA-AMR组(21.90 % vs. 10.27 %,P = 0.007)。单因素和多因素Cox回归分析证实3VA-AMR与2年mace独立相关(HR:1.007, 95 % CI:1.004-1.010, P )结论:3VA-AMR是NSTEMI患者2年mace的独立危险因素。与靶血管AMR相比,3VA-AMR对PCI术后2年mace的预测价值更高。
{"title":"Predictive value of the average three-vessel microvascular resistance in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention","authors":"Ruijin Hong , Beilei Li , Hui Chen , Jiaxin Zhong , Yuxiang Chen , Yuanming Yan , Lianglong Chen , Qin Chen , Yukun Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>We investigated the predictive value of the average microvascular resistance of the three main vessels (3VA-AMR) for the prognosis of patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study was conducted on patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) analysis was conducted on all patients' PCI angiography images to assess postoperative QFR and angio-based microvascular resistance (AMR) for three main vessels. All enrolled patients were devided into two groups based on the criteria for coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD): high 3VA-AMR group and low 3VA-AMR group. The primary outcome was 2-year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 290 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with the low 3VA-AMR group, the three vessels of high 3VA-AMR group showed lower area stenosis (49.46 ± 13.70 % vs. 52.93 ± 15.43 %,<em>P</em> = 0.001), higher QFR value (0.92 ± 0.05 vs. 0.88 ± 0.09, P < 0.001), and higher AMR value (274.50 [257.33–301.42] mmHg*s/m vs. 208.00 [182.00–231.83] mmHg*s/m, P < 0.001). The incidence of 2-year MACEs was significantly higher in the high 3VA-AMR group than in the low 3VA-AMR group (21.90 % vs. 10.27 %, <em>P</em> = 0.007). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed that 3VA-AMR was independently associated with 2-year MACEs (HR:1.007, 95 % CI:1.004–1.010, <em>P</em> < 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier method further confirmed the difference in 2-year MACE risk between two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a significant correlation between 3VA-AMR and MACE (area under the curve: 0.701, <em>P</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>3VA-AMR was an independent risk factor for 2-year MACEs in NSTEMI patients. Compared with target-vessel AMR, 3VA-AMR demonstrated superior predictive value for 2-year MACEs following PCI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144528670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-25DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104837
Hyerim Park , Steven L. Medarev , Joshua J. Maraj , Alexis Restrepo , Steven W. Copp , Judy M. Muller-Delp
Exercise training upregulates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and antioxidant production in various tissues; however, little is known about the role of Nrf2 in exercise training-induced adaptations of blood vessels. This study investigated how deletion of Nrf2 affects vasomotor function in coronary resistance arteries in sedentary and exercise-trained rats. Wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (KO) rats underwent 10 weeks of treadmill exercise or remained sedentary. Coronary resistance arteries were isolated for assessment of vasomotor responses. In resistance arteries from Nrf2 KO rats, endothelin-induced constriction was blunted, but exercise training partially restored responsiveness to endothelin; after exercise training, responses to endothelin were not different between arteries from WT and Nrf2 KO rats. Similarly, KCl-induced constriction was reduced in arteries from Nrf2 KO rats, but exercise training reversed this loss of responsiveness to KCl. Nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation of coronary resistance arteries was not altered by deletion of Nrf2; however, exercise training enhanced NO-mediated dilation in arteries from WT, but not Nrf2 KO rats. Similarly, exercise training increased vasodilation to low concentrations of potassium (10 and 20 mM KCl) in arteries from WT, but not Nrf2 KO rats. These findings suggest that Nrf2 is critical to maintenance of contractile responses in coronary resistance arteries, but exercise training can restore contractile function through Nrf2-independent mechanisms. In contrast, vasodilatory responses to NO and low-level potassium are maintained in coronary resistance arteries from Nrf2-deficient rats, but exercise training fails to enhance these vasodilatory responses in the absence of Nrf2.
运动训练上调核因子红细胞2相关因子2 (Nrf2)的表达和各组织抗氧化剂的产生;然而,Nrf2在运动训练诱导的血管适应性中的作用知之甚少。本研究探讨了Nrf2缺失如何影响久坐和运动训练大鼠冠状动脉血管舒缩功能。野生型(WT)和Nrf2敲除(KO)大鼠进行10 周的跑步机运动或保持久坐。分离冠脉阻力动脉以评估血管舒缩反应。在Nrf2 KO大鼠的阻力动脉中,内皮素诱导的收缩被减弱,但运动训练部分恢复了对内皮素的反应性;运动训练后,WT和Nrf2 KO大鼠动脉对内皮素的反应没有差异。同样,Nrf2 KO大鼠的动脉中KCl诱导的收缩减少,但运动训练逆转了这种对KCl的反应性丧失。一氧化氮(NO)介导的冠状动脉血管舒张不因Nrf2的缺失而改变;然而,运动训练增强了WT大鼠no介导的动脉扩张,而Nrf2 KO大鼠则没有。同样,运动训练增加了WT大鼠动脉中低浓度钾(10和20 mM KCl)的血管舒张,但Nrf2 KO大鼠没有。这些发现表明Nrf2对于维持冠状动脉的收缩反应至关重要,但运动训练可以通过Nrf2独立的机制恢复收缩功能。相比之下,Nrf2缺乏的大鼠冠状动脉对NO和低水平钾的血管舒张反应得以维持,但在缺乏Nrf2的情况下,运动训练不能增强这些血管舒张反应。
{"title":"Nrf2 deficiency blunts exercise training-induced adaptations of coronary resistance arteries","authors":"Hyerim Park , Steven L. Medarev , Joshua J. Maraj , Alexis Restrepo , Steven W. Copp , Judy M. Muller-Delp","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104837","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104837","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exercise training upregulates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and antioxidant production in various tissues; however, little is known about the role of Nrf2 in exercise training-induced adaptations of blood vessels. This study investigated how deletion of Nrf2 affects vasomotor function in coronary resistance arteries in sedentary and exercise-trained rats. Wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (KO) rats underwent 10 weeks of treadmill exercise or remained sedentary. Coronary resistance arteries were isolated for assessment of vasomotor responses. In resistance arteries from Nrf2 KO rats, endothelin-induced constriction was blunted, but exercise training partially restored responsiveness to endothelin; after exercise training, responses to endothelin were not different between arteries from WT and Nrf2 KO rats. Similarly, KCl-induced constriction was reduced in arteries from Nrf2 KO rats, but exercise training reversed this loss of responsiveness to KCl. Nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation of coronary resistance arteries was not altered by deletion of Nrf2; however, exercise training enhanced NO-mediated dilation in arteries from WT, but not Nrf2 KO rats. Similarly, exercise training increased vasodilation to low concentrations of potassium (10 and 20 mM KCl) in arteries from WT, but not Nrf2 KO rats. These findings suggest that Nrf2 is critical to maintenance of contractile responses in coronary resistance arteries, but exercise training can restore contractile function through Nrf2-independent mechanisms. In contrast, vasodilatory responses to NO and low-level potassium are maintained in coronary resistance arteries from Nrf2-deficient rats, but exercise training fails to enhance these vasodilatory responses in the absence of Nrf2.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104837"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-24DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104833
Yang He , Jian Lin , Yi Li , Xiaobo Cheng , Tong Wang , Wei Wang , Weixing Zeng , Yongsheng Li
Background
This study aims to investigate the regulatory role and underlying molecular mechanisms of DNA Damage Inducible Transcript 4 (DDIT4) in the pathogenesis of Venous Malformations (VMs), providing foundational experimental evidence for potential targeted therapies.
Methods
Bioinformatic analysis identified DDIT4 as a key differentially expressed gene in VMs, and the sgGSEA method was employed to predict its potential biological functions. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were performed to validate the expression level of DDIT4 and its association with vascular density. A lentiviral VMs cell model was established to assess DDIT4 expression levels. The effects of DDIT4 knockdown on VMs cell function were evaluated, with mechanistic insights gained through transcriptome sequencing and Western blot analysis. Further validation was performed using 3D VMs cell models and nude mouse xenografts with DDIT4 knockdown. Additionally, exogenous functional rescue experiments were conducted by activating the NF-κB pathway with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in DDIT4 knockdown VMs 3D cell models and nude mouse xenografts to further investigate the role of DDIT4.
Results
DDIT4 was upregulated in VMs tissues and correlated with angiogenesis. DDIT4 knockdown increased cell roundness, inhibited proliferation, migration, and NF-κB pathway activation, and blocked angiogenesis in VMs 3D models and lesion formation in nude mouse xenografts, while suppressing the NF-κB pathway in both. NF-κB pathway activation restored angiogenesis in both models.
Conclusions
DDIT4 knockdown inhibits VMs progression by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that DDIT4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
{"title":"DDIT4 knockdown suppresses venous malformation progression by inhibiting NF-κB signaling as a potential therapeutic target","authors":"Yang He , Jian Lin , Yi Li , Xiaobo Cheng , Tong Wang , Wei Wang , Weixing Zeng , Yongsheng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104833","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104833","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the regulatory role and underlying molecular mechanisms of DNA Damage Inducible Transcript 4 (DDIT4) in the pathogenesis of Venous Malformations (VMs), providing foundational experimental evidence for potential targeted therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Bioinformatic analysis identified <em>DDIT4</em> as a key differentially expressed gene in VMs, and the sgGSEA method was employed to predict its potential biological functions. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were performed to validate the expression level of DDIT4 and its association with vascular density. A lentiviral VMs cell model was established to assess DDIT4 expression levels. The effects of DDIT4 knockdown on VMs cell function were evaluated, with mechanistic insights gained through transcriptome sequencing and Western blot analysis. Further validation was performed using 3D VMs cell models and nude mouse xenografts with DDIT4 knockdown. Additionally, exogenous functional rescue experiments were conducted by activating the NF-κB pathway with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in DDIT4 knockdown VMs 3D cell models and nude mouse xenografts to further investigate the role of DDIT4.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DDIT4 was upregulated in VMs tissues and correlated with angiogenesis. DDIT4 knockdown increased cell roundness, inhibited proliferation, migration, and NF-κB pathway activation, and blocked angiogenesis in VMs 3D models and lesion formation in nude mouse xenografts, while suppressing the NF-κB pathway in both. NF-κB pathway activation restored angiogenesis in both models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>DDIT4 knockdown inhibits VMs progression by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that DDIT4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104833"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144506523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104832
Zhaoxia Zheng , Lei Hu , Yue Zhang , Nianen Liu , Xiaoya Gu , Shuang Song , Xiaobing Yu
Purpose
To investigate choroidal changes in different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and determine the effect of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on choroid based on volumetric measurements of ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-SS-OCTA).
Methods
This observational study included 56 healthy controls, 192 treatment-naïve DR patients, and 42 PRP-treated DR patients who have undergone UWF-SS-OCTA measurements. Treatment-naïve DR patients were further grouped according to varying severity of DR. Choroidal parameters were analyzed and compared among these groups according to central and peripheral areas. Spearman analysis was performed to determine the association between non-perfusion area (NPA) and choroidal parameters.
Results
Compared with healthy controls, choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV), including both vascular and stromal volume (CVV/a and CSV/a) were decreased in treatment-naïve DR patients in full range, while choroidal vascularity index (CVI) decreased only in the peripheral area (P = 0.04). In detail, choroid was thinning in no-DR (NDR) and mild NPDR, followed by an increased trend in moderate and late stages of DR. NPA was positively associated with CT, CV, CVV/a, and CSV/a in moderate and late stages of DR. Choroidal parameters decreased in PRP-treated eyes except for an increase of CVI in the central area.
Conclusion
Choroid was thinning in treatment-naïve DR eyes. Specifically, choroid decreased in the early stage and further increased with DR progression; increased expression of VEGF may be a key factor in choroidal thickening. PRP treatment could contribute to the redistribution of choroidal blood flow and improve the perfusion of the macula.
{"title":"Three-dimensional choroidal changes in diabetes and diabetic retinopathy: An ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography study","authors":"Zhaoxia Zheng , Lei Hu , Yue Zhang , Nianen Liu , Xiaoya Gu , Shuang Song , Xiaobing Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104832","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To investigate choroidal changes in different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and determine the effect of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on choroid based on volumetric measurements of ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-SS-OCTA).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This observational study included 56 healthy controls, 192 treatment-naïve DR patients, and 42 PRP-treated DR patients who have undergone UWF-SS-OCTA measurements. Treatment-naïve DR patients were further grouped according to varying severity of DR. Choroidal parameters were analyzed and compared among these groups according to central and peripheral areas. Spearman analysis was performed to determine the association between non-perfusion area (NPA) and choroidal parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with healthy controls, choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV), including both vascular and stromal volume (CVV/a and CSV/a) were decreased in treatment-naïve DR patients in full range, while choroidal vascularity index (CVI) decreased only in the peripheral area (<em>P</em> = 0.04). In detail, choroid was thinning in no-DR (NDR) and mild NPDR, followed by an increased trend in moderate and late stages of DR. NPA was positively associated with CT, CV, CVV/a, and CSV/a in moderate and late stages of DR. Choroidal parameters decreased in PRP-treated eyes except for an increase of CVI in the central area.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Choroid was thinning in treatment-naïve DR eyes. Specifically, choroid decreased in the early stage and further increased with DR progression; increased expression of VEGF may be a key factor in choroidal thickening. PRP treatment could contribute to the redistribution of choroidal blood flow and improve the perfusion of the macula.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"161 ","pages":"Article 104832"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144330829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}