Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 44, issue 1

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2010-1256A

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2010

Authors: Bollini, A. | Huarte, M. | Hernández, G. | Bazzoni, G. | Piehl, L. | Mengarelli, G. | Rubín de Celis, E. | Rasia, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Arsenic (As) is a toxic semi-metal of wide distribution in nature. People living in regions where drinking water contains large quantities of arsenic, have an unusually high likelihood of developing blood-vessel diseases, but little is known about the mechanisms involved, i.e. the blood rheologic alterations that would contribute to the circulatory obstruction. Erythrocytes are the main target cells for arsenic compounds systemically absorbed and their cell membrane is the first place against the toxic. In this paper we have examined the in vitro effect of arsenic (AsV ) on the rheologic properties of human erythrocytes in relation with membrane fluidity …and internal microviscosity. According to our present results, AsV treatment produces oxidative degradation of membrane lipids and alteration of internal microviscosity. These red blood cells (RBCs) membrane and cytoplasmic structural damage consequently alters RBCs rheologic properties: an alteration of the RBCs discoid shape to stomatocytes, a diminution of erythrocyte deformability and an enhancement of osmotic fragility and cell aggregability. These effects impaired blood fluid behaviour that contribute to obstruct peripheral circulation and provides anemia, both clinic evidences typical of arsenic cronic intoxication. Show more

Keywords: Arsenic toxic effect, arsenic–membrane interaction, erythrocyte membrane properties, stress oxidative

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2010-1246

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 3-17, 2010

Authors: Clevert, D.-A. | Kubisch, C. | Weckbach, S. | Frey, U. | Stock, K. | Reiser, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We describe the case of a 66-year-old woman with an aortic valve reconstruction. Subsequently she presented with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between the left common carotid artery and internal jugular vein following several attempts of jugular catheter insertion. Due to aliasing, correct visualization of the fistula track was hindered by conventional color Doppler. However, by using the B-flow imaging technique, the fistula track could be detected without aliasing or overwriting. Duplex examination revealed an AVF between both vessels with an arterialized waveform in the left jugular vein and a high-velocity turbulent flow inside the fistula. Due to these findings we …will change our routine scanning protocol for extracranial vessels and will use B-flow in indistinctive or difficult conditions to obtain additional informations. Show more

Keywords: Arteriovenous fistula, common carotid artery, internal jugular vein, B-flow

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2010-1247

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 19-25, 2010

Authors: Son, Kuk Hui | Lim, Choon Hak | Song, Eun Joo | Sun, Kyung | Son, Ho Sung | Lee, Sung Ho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Hemorheologic factors such as red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and deformability differ according to species. In many comparative hemorheologic studies, only venous blood samples have been used for measurements. There is little published information comparing arterial and venous blood differences between species. We compared hemorheologic factors in arterial and venous blood in rats, dogs and humans. Methods: Nineteen dogs and 12 rats were used. Human blood was obtained from 12 healthy volunteers. Blood gas analysis, hematocrit and elongation index which represents RBC deformability were measured in arterial and venous blood samples. The critical shear stress and aggregation index, …both of which represent RBC aggregation, were also measured in arterial and venous blood. Results: There were no arterial or venous differences in hematocrit, critical shear stress, or elongation index in dogs. In rats, RBC aggregation was not measurable. The hematocrit and elongation index of arterial blood were significantly lower than those of venous blood in rats. There were no arterial or venous differences in hematocrit, aggregation index, or elongation index in humans. Conclusion: Arterial and venous hemorheologic factors differed depending on the species. Further standardization is necessary for the measurement of hemorheologic variables. Show more

Keywords: Erythrocyte aggregation, erythrocyte deformability, comparative study, hemorheology

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2010-1248

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 27-33, 2010

Authors: Senen, Kubilay | Topal, Ergun | Kilinc, Evren | ten Cate, Hugo | Tek, Ibrahim | Karakoc, Yunus | Yetkin, Ertan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Markers of platelet activation and haemorrheological indices have been demonstrated to play a role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. In this study, we aimed at investigate the association between plasma viscosity and platelet indices in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Materials and methods: Three hundred and eighty four consecutive patients scheduled to undergo coronary angiography were included in the study. Prior to coronary angiography, blood samples were withdrawn to determine routine biochemical markers, blood cell analyses and viscosity measurements. According to the results of coronary angiography, patients were classified either in a subgroup with coronary artery …disease (CAD; 1 or more stenoses >50%) or normal coronary arteries (NCA; no stenoses or <50%). Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between plasma viscosity and mean platelet volume levels in all patients undergoing coronary angiography (r=0.199, p<0.001). Additionally, when correlation analysis was performed within each group, plasma viscosity significantly correlated with MPV both in patients with CAD (r=0.18, p=0.004) and in patients with NCAs (r=0.272, p=0.002). Linear regression analysis revealed that plasma viscosity was positively associated with MPV while platelet number was inversely but significantly associated with MPV. Conclusion: We have shown for the first time that MPV correlates with plasma viscosity in patients undergoing coronary angiography, suggesting a relation with plasma proteins and activation of circulating platelets or peripheral consumption of platelets. To evaluate this relation further controlled studies also in patients with acute coronary syndromes are warranted. Show more

Keywords: Mean platelet volume, plasma viscosity, coronary artery disease, platelet activation

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2010-1249

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 35-41, 2010

Authors: Kaliviotis, Efstathios | Ivanov, Ivan | Antonova, Nadia | Yianneskis, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the present study electro-rheology (Contraves LS30 viscometer-based system) and optical shearing microscopy (Lincam CSS450 system and image analysis) techniques have been utilized in order to provide quantitative data on the behaviour of the microstructural properties of whole normal human blood at non-steady flow conditions. The objective of this work is to contribute towards a better understanding of red blood cell aggregation at flow conditions similar to that occurring in a circulatory system and to aid the interpretation and validation of electro-rheological data through a quantitative comparison with data acquired with optical shearing microscopy. Electro-rheology is a promising technique that …has been used to provide bulk fluid properties, showing potential for basic research and diagnostic purposes, whereas optical shearing techniques offer a direct assessment of blood microstructure at a cellular level. However, little information exists in the literature regarding the relationships between electro-rheological measurements and blood microstructural characteristics. The results showed that the different non-steady flow conditions affect differently the dynamics of aggregation varying from a parabolic-decrease to an inverted S-shape curve with time. For a wide range of the non-steady flows results obtained with the two different techniques agree to a difference between 1.2 and 12%. Show more

Keywords: Blood microstructure, conductivity, aggregation index

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2009-1251

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 43-54, 2010

Authors: Salazar Vázquez, Beatriz Y. | Salazar Vázquez, Miguel A. | Jáquez, Manuel Guajardo | Bracho Huemoeller, Antonio H. | Intaglietta, Marcos | Cabrales, Pedro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To determine the relationship between mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and blood viscosity in diabetic type 1 children and healthy controls to investigate whether MAP is independent of blood viscosity in healthy children, and vice versa. Research design and methods: Children with diabetes type 1 treated by insulin injection were studied. Controls were healthy children of both sexes. MAP was calculated from systolic and diastolic pressure measurements. Blood viscosity was determined indirectly by measuring blood hemoglobin (Hb) content. The relationship between Hb, hematocrit (Hct) and blood viscosity was determined in a subgroup of controls and diabetics selected at …random. Results: 21 (10.6±2.5 years) type 1 diabetic children treated with insulin and 25 healthy controls age 9.6±1.7 years were studied. Hb was 13.8±0.8 g/dl in normal children vs. 14.3±0.9 g/dl in the diabetic group (p<0.05). MAP was 71.4±8.2 in the normal vs. 82.9±7.2 mmHg in the diabetic group (p<0.001). Glucose was 89.3±10.6 vs. 202.4±87.4 mg/dl respectively. Diabetics had a positive MAP/Hb correlation (p=0.007), while normals showed a non significant (p=0.2) negative correlation. The blood viscosity/Hb relationship was studied in a subgroup of 8 healthy controls and 8 diabetic type 1 children. There was no significant difference in Hb and Hct between groups. Diabetics showed a trend of increasing blood viscosity (+7%, p=0.15). Conclusions: Normal children compensate for the increase in vascular resistance due to increased blood viscosity (increased Hb and Hct) while diabetic children do not, probably due to endothelial dysfunction. Show more

Keywords: Diabetes type 1, blood pressure, hemoglobin, hematocrit, endothelial dysfunction, blood viscosity

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2010-1252

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 55-61, 2010

Authors: de Oliveira, Sofia | Saldanha, Carlota

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the sixties and seventies, erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) were extensively studied. Much has been learnt particularly concerning their metabolism and gas transporter function. In the past decade, the use of new approaches and methodologies, such as proteomic analysis, has contributed for a renewed interest on the erythrocyte. Recent studies have provided us with a more detailed and comprehensive picture on the composition and organization of its cellular membrane that will be the main subject of this minireview. Unexpectedly, it has been recognized that this cell expresses several adhesion molecules on its surface, like other cellular types …such blood circulating cells or endothelial cells. Taking into consideration the cellular functions of the erythrocyte, the clarification of the role of those adhesion molecules may in the future open new horizons for the biological significance of this cellular player. Show more

Keywords: Erythrocyte, erythrocyte membrane, membrane structure and adhesion molecules

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2010-1253

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 63-74, 2010