Endothelial dysfunction is one of the earliest measurable change of functional capability of arterial wall. It represents the common denominator of harmful effect of risk factors for atherosclerosis. In last decade different methods for measurement of endothelial function were developed. They differ in investigations of different pathogenetic mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and different sections of circulatory system. In this review article different methods of investigation of endothelial function are presented which are also used in our research group. These methods are also discussed according to their applicability and usefulness.
COBISS.SI-ID: 635308
Restenosis/re-occlusion remains a frequent complication in the first year after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). In this study, association of nuclear receptor related 1 protein (Nurr1) haplotypes to the restenosis/re-occlusion rate after femoropopliteal PTA was investigated. Patients (n = 142) with disabling claudication or critical limb ischaemia, whohad undergone technically successful femoropopliteal PTA, were prospectively followed up by vascular ultrasound imaging 12 months after the procedure. Nurr1 haplotypes 2 and 3 were associated significantly with the restenosis/re-occlusion rate (adjusted odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.1-2.3 and 2.0, 1.3-2.8, respectively) on univariate analysis.
COBISS.SI-ID: 203180
When a patient with a coronary or peripheral artery stent is placed into a static magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, dislodgement of the implanted stent due to magnetic forces is a concern. Our purpose was to determine the magnetic force on a coronary stent in the MRI magnet. Magnetic and chemical characterization of two types of coronary stents (surgical stainless steel and cobalt-chromium) was performed by a magnetometer and energy-dispersive X-ray spectoscopy. Magnetic force on the paramagnetic stents was determined by measuring the stents magnetic dipole moment and employing the on-axis magnetic field profile of an MRI magnet. The maximum force on the stainless steel stent was found to be FS, max L 0.18 mN, whereas on the cobalt-chromium stent it vas FR, max L 0.06 mN. The magnetic forces on the investigated paramagnetic stents were even smaller than the gravitational forces acting on the stents in the Earths gravity field, so that it has no physiological impact on the stented vessels.
COBISS.SI-ID: 26233127
In the present study it was attempted to identify possible differences in the contractility of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle between healthy controls and individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent lower-limb claudication. It was found that the GM muscles of individuals with intermittent claudication contract more quicly and fatigue earlier than the GM muscles of healthy controls. Our data support the idea that calf myopathy is present in claudication -prone patients and, in part, determines the clinical manifestations of PAD.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2225875