Objective: To investigate the abnormal expressions of Tie1 on the valves of great saphenous varicose vein, and to discuss the relationship between the phenomenon and pathogenesis of varicose vein of lower extremity.
Methods: Varicose veins group 18 samples, normal control group 14 samples. Immunohistochemistry staining has investigated the expression of CD31 and Tie1 in the first valves of great saphenous veins. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has checked mRNA expression of Tie1. Western blot has checked the expression of Tie1 protein in venous valves.
Results: In normal control group valves, there was no difference between proximal and distal sides endothelium, which expressing CD31 in both valvar basement and valve cusp (positive endothelial cells [ECs] percentage: P > 0.05, P > 0.05). However, the endothelium of the proximal side demonstrates Tie1 stronger than distal side in valvar basement (positive ECs percentage: P < 0.05), which was not found at valve cusp (positive ECs percentage: P > 0.05). In varicose veins group, the endothelium of proximal side cells expresses CD31 weaker than distal side at both valvar basement and valve cusp (positive ECs percentage: P < 0.05, P < 0.05) besides the morphological alteration of valves. Moreover, it expresses Tie1 much weaker than diatal side (positive ECs percentage: P < 0.01). Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that valves of varicose veins group expressed Tie1 much weaker than the normal control group (P < 0.01). Western blot could not detect the expression of Tie1 in venous valves.
Conclusion: The decreasing expression of Tie1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of primary lower extremity varicose veins.
Keywords: Tie1 gene; varicose vein; venous valve.