Evidence for a genetic role in varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency

Abstract

There is a strong body of circumstantial evidence which implicates genetics in the aetiology and pathology of varicose veins and venous ulcer disease. The aim of this review is to consider the current knowledge of the genetic associations and the ways in which new genetic technologies may be applied to advancing our understanding of the cause and progression of these venous diseases. A number of publications have used a candidate gene approach to identify genes implicated in venous disease. Although these studies have opened up important new insights, there has been a general failure to replicate results in an independent cohort of patients. With our limited knowledge of the biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of venous disease we are not in a strong position to formulate truly erudite a priori candidate gene hypothesis-directed studies. A genome-wide association study should therefore be considered to help further our understanding of the genetic basis of venous disease. Due to the large sample sizes required for discovery and validation, using the new generations of molecular technologies, it will be necessary to form collaborating groups in order to successfully advance the field of venous disease genetics.

Five-year results of a randomized clinical trial of conventional surgery, endovenous laser ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in patients with great saphenous varicose veins

“…It is clear that, irrespective of the technique employed to treat varicose veins, progression of disease cannot be stopped in the long term. Genetic predisposition and other patient‐related factors (such as body mass index of 30 kg/m 2 or above, pregnancy after the intervention) certainly play a role. After several years, tortuous neovascular veins or (newly) refluxing veins at the SFJ may connect with the AASV or superficial refluxing tributaries of the thigh or leg, resulting in clinically obvious recurrent varicose veins.…”

The Genetic Base of Chronic Venous Disease: a Review of Modern Concepts

“…Новозеландские коллеги и соавт. [10] произвели поиск в базах данных Medline и Embase до 2009 г. включительно и обнаружили 467 ста-тей, в 94 из которых была исследована роль генети-ческих факторов в возникновении ХЗВ. Лишь в 15 из них изучалась роль полиморфизма генов-канди-датов в развитии заболеваний вен, оставшиеся же включали в себя исследования по экспрессии генов и семейные исследования.…”

“…Лишь в 15 из них изучалась роль полиморфизма генов-канди-датов в развитии заболеваний вен, оставшиеся же включали в себя исследования по экспрессии генов и семейные исследования. Авторы [10] сделали вы-вод, что исследования генетических ассоциаций с заболеваниями вен, проведенные до времени их анализа, немногочислены, выполнены на выборках небольшого размера и зачастую без репликации.…”

Genetic polymorphisms of vein wall remodeling in chronic venous disease: a narrative and systematic review

“…In fact, genetic risk factors are already known to affect wound progression and healing, and screening in this regard may aid in the planning of appropriate individualized treatment and prophylaxis. 16 Also, various thrombophilic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may contribute to CVI and ulcers by increasing the risk of DVT.…”

“…Although studies in this area do support a moderate to strong genetic predisposition toward CVI and varicose veins, 16 the exact genes are still unknownthough they likely involve quantitative or qualitative defects in proteins associated with the vein wall, ECM, and cell organization/ regulation. 16 These polymorphisms, in turn, could plausibly increase the likelihood of CVD, including PTS after DVT, but evidence in this area is lacking.…”