Is the peripheral microcirculation a window into the human coronary microvasculature? J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024 Aug;193:67-77
Date
06/08/2024Pubmed ID
38848808Pubmed Central ID
PMC11260236DOI
10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.06.002Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85195369481 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 1 CitationAbstract
An increasing body of evidence suggests a pivotal role for the microvasculature in the development of cardiovascular disease. A dysfunctional coronary microvascular network, specifically within endothelial cells-the inner most cell layer of vessels-is considered a strong, independent risk factor for future major adverse cardiac events. However, challenges exist with evaluating this critical vascular bed, as many of the currently available techniques are highly invasive and cost prohibitive. The more easily accessible peripheral microcirculation has surfaced as a potential surrogate in which to study mechanisms of coronary microvascular dysfunction and likewise may be used to predict poor cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, we critically evaluate a variety of prognostic, physiological, and mechanistic studies in humans to answer whether the peripheral microcirculation can add insight into coronary microvascular health. A conceptual framework is proposed that the health of the endothelium specifically may link the coronary and peripheral microvascular beds. This is supported by evidence showing a correlation between human coronary and peripheral endothelial function in vivo. Although not a replacement for investigating and understanding coronary microvascular function, the microvascular endothelium from the periphery responds similarly to (patho)physiological stress and may be leveraged to explore potential therapeutic pathways to mitigate stress-induced damage.
Author List
SenthilKumar G, Hammond ST, Zirgibel Z, Cohen KE, Beyer AM, Freed JKAuthors
Andreas M. Beyer PhD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinStephen T. Hammond Postdoctoral Researcher 2 in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsCardiovascular Diseases
Coronary Circulation
Coronary Vessels
Endothelium, Vascular
Humans
Microcirculation
Microvessels
