Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 35, issue 4

Authors: Contini, María del Carmen | Mahieu, Stella | Bazzoni, Graciela | Bernal, Claudio A. | Carnovale, Cristina E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of our work was to analyze the hemorheological parameters following partial hepatectomy in rats with chronic Al-intoxication (Al). Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n=6 each one): Sham (rats subjected to simulated surgery); Al+Sham; Partial Hepatectomy (animals subjected to 65% liver resection) and Al+Partial Hepatectomy. Our results show that both Partial Hepatectomy and Al treatment produce a decrease of plasma cholesterol level, which showed a negative association with Rigidity Index increase (rs =−0.6475, p<0.05). The increase of Rigidity Index observed in Partial Hepatectomy, Al+Sham and Al+Partial Hepatectomy could be related to the increase of …the proportion of non-discocytic erythrocytes, particularly stomatocytes, which determines a diminution of the Morphological Index. In the Altreated groups, greater changes in Rigidity Index and Morphological Index were observed. The relative viscosity of blood at a standard haematocrit of 40% was increased in Partial Hepatectomy, Al+Sham and Al+Partial Hepatectomy as compared to Sham, due to erythrocyte rigidity. On the other hand, we observed that the increase of plasma fibrinogen concentration correlates with augmentation of plasma viscosity (rs =0.689, p=0.004) for all the experimental groups studied. The results indicate that both administration of Al and Partial Hepatectomy induce microcytic hypocromic anaemia in the rats reflected by a significant decrease of haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. From these results, we conclude that in partially hepatectomized, Al-overloaded rats the decrease in erythrocyte deformability may be an important factor leading to the installation of anaemia. Show more

Keywords: Aluminum, partial hepatectomy, erythrocyte, blood rheological behavior

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 431-439, 2006

Authors: Ercan, Meltem | Konukoglu, Dildar | Erdem Yeşim, Tijen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Although obesity is related with cardiovascular disease, the exact mechanism of the relationship is not fully understood. We aim to examine the relationship between plasma viscosity and obesity as a cardiovascular disease risk factor in obese and non-obese groups. Methods: We recruited 75 obese subjects (mean age: 40.2±8.4 years, Body Mass Index: 33.61±2.57 kg/m2 ) who were admitted to the Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. As a non-obese group (n=70, mean age: 41.78±9.7 years, Body Mass Index: 21.84±3.42 kg/m2 ) healthy subjects from medical and laboratory staff were selected. Plasma viscosity and lipid profile were …measured and atherogenic index was calculated as atherogenic risk factors. Results: Plasma viscosity, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels and atherogenic index were significantly increased in obese group compared to non-obese group for each p<0.001. We found no significant difference in plasma fibrinogen, insulin, albumin and HDL-cholesterol levels between obese and non-obese groups. Plasma viscosity was correlated with total cholesterol and atherogenic index only in the obese group (p<0.05 and p<0.05 respectively). In the non-obese group regarding PV, we determined a positive correlation with triglycerides (r: 0.470, p<0.05) and negative correlation with HDL-C (r: −0.518, p<0.05). Conclusion: Plasma viscosity, an early atherosclerotic risk factor, might be helpful in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in obese subjects along with classical cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma cholesterol and atherogenic index. Show more

Keywords: Obesity, plasma viscosity

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 441-446, 2006

Authors: Caron, Alexis | Hacquard, Marie | Audibert, Gérard | Cauchois, Ghislaine | Vigneron, Claude | Stoltz, Jean-François | Longrois, Dan | Menu, Patrick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: It has been shown that a hydroxyethylstarch solution significantly increases the aortic distensibility coefficient (ADC) as compared to other non-hydroxyethylstarch colloid solutions. In order to investigate whether the effect of hydroxyethylstarch on ADC is class-specific, we investigated the effect of two hydroxyethylstarch solutions (HES 200: Elohes® and HES 240: Hesteril® ) on the ADC and compared them with two other colloid solutions: 5% albumin and fluid gelatin (Gelofusin® ) in a rabbit model of acute isovolumic hemodilution. Methods: Twenty-eight male New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized and randomly allocated to receive (n=7, each): albumin, hydroxyethylstarch-200, hydroxyethylstarch-240 and gelatin …for acute isovolumic hemodilution by exchanging 13 ml.kg−1 body weight of blood with an identical volume of the test solution. Blood viscosity, mean arterial pressure, aortic blood flow and heart rate were measured and ADC was calculated. Results: All groups were comparable with respect to arterial pressure, heart rate and aortic blood flow velocity before and after isovolumic hemodilution. After hemodilution, ADC coefficient remained unchanged as compared with pre-hemodilution values with albumin, hydroxyethylstarch-240 and gelatin, whereas a sustained 3 fold increase was observed with hydroxyethylstarch-200. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that minor physicochemical differences between two hydroxyethylstarch solutions result in measurable differences in ADC and suggest that the clinical effects of colloids should probably be analyzed for each type of colloid and not for classes of colloids (e.g. hydroxyethylstarch or fluid gelatins). Show more

Keywords: Hydroxyethylstarch 240, aortic distensibility coefficient, acute isovolumic hemodilution, colloids

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 447-458, 2006

Authors: Caglayan, Osman | Buyukkocak, Unase | Kara, Fatma Karaca | Sert, Ozgur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether general anesthetic agents change erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) affecting erythrocytes' shape and membrane structure in routine clinical dose manner. Forty patients (23 female and 17 male) undergoing elective surgery were included to the study. Blood samples were obtained just before induction of the anesthesia and 10 minutes after endotracheal intubation. The ESR was measured using Test-1 ESR analyzer. ESR values of the second blood samples were significantly lower than the first values (p<0.001). At the beginning, the ESR was 18.1±11.5 mm/h, and then it decreased to 13.1±9.3 at 10th minutes. Our …results indicated that anesthetic agents affected the ESR. No increase was observed in the second ESR values which were equal to, or less than the first values. General anesthesia may lead to this decrease changing electrolyte balance of erythrocyte, affecting ligands of agglomerins in membrane directly and indirectly, or changing discoid shape of erythrocyte. Show more

Keywords: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, general anesthesia

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 459-462, 2006

Authors: Zilberman-Kravits, D. | Harman-Boehm, I. | Shuster, T. | Meyerstein, N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study was designed to study RBC aggregability in type 1 and type 2 DM by a new method based on the dielectric properties of disperse systems. This dielectric method has a significantly higher sensitivity to detect enhanced RBC aggregation in DM than other methods. Aggregability is increased in type 1 DM and even more markedly in type 2 diabetic patients. The enhanced RBC aggregation in type 1 diabetes was significantly correlated with the levels of HbA1C , cholesterol and triglycerides. However, no correlation between metabolic control and RBC aggregability was found in type 2 DM. The in vitro …addition of non-toxic, low molecular weight dextran improves the high RBC aggregation in diabetes type 2. In the future, low molecular weight dextran may be used in DM patients clinically to lower the risk for vascular complications, after the problem of filtration is solved. Show more

Keywords: Erythrocyte aggregation, diabetes, HbA$_{1C}$, cholesterol and triglycerides' level

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 463-471, 2006

Authors: Marcinkowska-Gapińska, Anna | Kowal, Piotr

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The study aimed at initial determination and analysis of selected rheological parameters of blood in the group of diabetics and patients after myocardial infarction and compare the results to the symptoms observed in thermographical studies. The parameters studied were: whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, relative blood viscosity and hematocrit value. A group of 60 subjects took part in the study. The control group (20 persons) included the healthy subjects who had never suffered from any circulatory system disorders and who did not receive any drugs affecting the hemorheological parameters. The group of diabetics included 18 patients and the group after …myocardial infarction included 20 patients. Blood viscosity measurements were performed by means of a rotary-oscillatory reometer Contraves LS 40 at the decreasing shear rate ranging from 100–0.01 s−1 during a period of 5 minutes. For each blood sample the hematocrit value was measured using the standard method. The plasma viscosity was calculated from the linear regression of the shear rate dependence of the shear stress measured by means of the Contraves LS 40 reometer. Show more

Keywords: Hemorheology, blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, diabetics, rheological models

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 473-479, 2006

Authors: Patumraj, Suthiluk | Wongeakin, Natchaya | Sridulyakul, Patarin | Jariyapongskul, Amporn | Futrakul, Narisa | Bunnag, Srichitra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study was aimed to evaluate the combined effect of curcumin with vitamin C supplementation on hyperglycemic and dyslipidemia conditions and endothelial cell dysfunction induced in diabetic rats. Wistar Furth rats were used and divided into four groups: control (single injection of 0.9% sterile saline), STZ (streptozotocin, Sigma, 55 mg/kg.BW, i.v.), STZ-vitC (1 g/l ascorbic acid mixed in drinking water), STZ-cur (daily oral treatment of 300 mg/kg.BW curcumin; Cayman Chemical Co., USA), and STZ-cur+vitC (1 g/l ascorbic acid mixed in drinking water and oral treatment of 300 mg/kg.BW curcumin). On 8th week after STZ-injection, the microcirculation in the iris tissue …was observed using intravital fluorescence videomicroscopy, and also leukocyte adhesion in the venule was examined for each group. Blood glucose (BG), lipid profiles, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured in blood samples collected at the end of each experiment. The contents of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) were also quantified for each group. Feeding curcumin (STZ-cur) could decrease BG, HbA1c, dyslipidemia, and MDA significantly, compared to STZ. In cases of feedings curcumin with vitamin C, these results were more effective in all aspects, including leukocyte adhesion. In conclusion, curcumin might increase the effect of vitamin C in protecting the function of endothelial cells through its anti-oxidant with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic actions. Show more

Keywords: Curcumin, vitamin C, leukocyte–endothelium interaction, diabetes

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 481-489, 2006

Authors: Koyama, Tomiyasu | Taka, Akira | Togashi, Hiroko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Studies were carried out on stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) to determine the cardiovascular effects of a traditional medicine extracted from the fungus Fuscoporia obliqua. The rats received either a hot-water extract of Fuscoporia or tap water for 60 days. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured in the tail and venous blood was analyzed for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and leukocyte number. Sections of the left ventricular wall were stained for alkaline phosphatase and dipeptidylpeptidase IV to distinguish the arteriolar from the venular portions of the capillaries. Capillary to myocyte ratio (C:M ratio) was also measured. Treated rats showed a …significant decrease in arterial pressure, a mild increase in leukocyte and a trend towards a decrease in HbA1c. There was a trend towards an increase in total capillary density in the subendomyocardium accompanied by a decrease in the arteriolar capillary portions. C:M ratio showed no clear change. It is concluded that the hot-water extract of Fuscoporia has beneficial effects on cardiovascular function, hematological status and probably immunological function in SHRSP. Show more

Keywords: Fuscoporia obliqua, fungal medicine, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP), arterial blood pressure, leukocyte number, coronary microvessel

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 491-498, 2006

Authors: Katayama, Yasutomi | Horigome, Hitoshi | Murakami, Takashi | Takahashi-Igari, Miho | Miyata, Daiki | Tanaka, Kiyoji

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Blood hyperviscosity due to secondary erythrocytosis is a common pathologic feature of cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). In CCHD, it is possible that hematological parameters other than red blood cells influence blood rheology. We measured blood passage time to evaluate the blood rheology in patients with CCHD (n=18, age: 15.3±11.9 years, mean ± SD) and age-matched control subjects (n=27) using the microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN), and the results [several hematological parameters, including hematocrit (Hct)] were compared. Blood passage time in the CCHD group was prolonged, compared with the control group (67.6±27.2 s vs. 44.6±6.7 s). For the CCHD group, …blood passage time correlated significantly with red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Hct, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet (Plt) count, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level, and triglycerides (TG) level (RBC, r=0.77; Hb, r=0.69; Hct, r=0.73; MCHC, r=−0.64; Plt, r=−0.49; TG, r=0.53; HDL-C, r=−0.49, p<0.05 for each variable). For all 45 subjects, blood passage time correlated significantly with HbA1c level (r=0.45, p<0.01) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen level (r=0.46, p<0.01). Our results indicated that blood rheology is reduced in patients with CCHD as expressed by prolonged blood passage time, and it may be defined by several blood parameters in addition to erythrocytosis. Show more

Keywords: Blood rheology, cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD), erythrocytosis, fibrinolysis, lipid

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 499-508, 2006

Authors: Gori, Tommaso | Di Stolfo, Giuseppe | Sicuro, Silvia | Dragoni, Saverio | Lisi, Monica | Parker, John D. | Forconi, Sandro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Impaired endothelial responsiveness to specific vasodilator stimuli has been used as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. Multiple methods allow testing endothelial responses in both microvessels and conduit arteries, but it is still unclear whether there is a relationship in endothelial function between these two different vascular beds. Twenty-five healthy young non smoking male volunteers (age range 24–45) were enrolled. Radial (conduit) artery (endothelium-dependent) flow-mediated dilation (FMD), microvascular cutaneous reactive hyperemia (using laser Doppler) and acetylcholine-induced microvascular vasodilation (laser Doppler iontophoresis) were measured. Data were analyzed in a randomized fashion in order to test the existence of a correlation among …these measures of endothelium (in)dependent vasodilation. Conduit artery FMD showed a negative correlation with resting radial artery diameter (R=0.44, P<0.05). There was a correlation between peak responsiveness to acetylcholine and peak reactive hyperemia (R=0.41, P<0.05). Conversely, absolutely no correlation was shown between FMD and measures of microvascular vasomotion, including reactive hyperemia (P=ns) and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation (P=ns). Using three different human in vivo models, we test conduit artery and microvascular endothelial vasodilation. While microvascular flow reserve measurements induced by endothelium-dependent and independent stimuli appear to be linearly correlated, we show no correlation in endothelium-dependent vasomotion between the micro- and macrocirculation. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 509-515, 2006