Plasma Catecholamines in Buerger's Disease: Effects of Cigarette Smoking and Surgical Sympathectomy

Abstract

in Buerger's disease there is an impairment of sympathoadrenal function with an altered peripheral adrenergic response to cigarette smoking. Patients submitted to sympathectomy have high pAD, but this benefit is reversed after smoking. This might be clinically relevant given the association between cigarette smoking and the manifestations of Buerger's disease and the controversy on the effectiveness of sympathectomy in the management of the disease.

Molecular analysis of aortic intimal hyperplasia caused byPorphyromonas gingivalisinfection in mice with endothelial damage

“…Our results, however, showed that P. gingivalis induces intimal hyperplasia without host hypercholesterolemia. Although the distinct molecular mechanisms involved in this discrepancy should be analyzed further in detail, other reports have noted that Burger’s disease, an occlusive vascular disease, occurs in individuals infected with P. gingivalis , despite the absence of cholesterol elevation in plasma (32–34), which supports the present findings. Another intriguing finding is that P. gingivalis in the bloodstream fails to gain access to the vessel wall across the uninjured endothelial layer.…”

Buerger's disease (Thromboangiitis obliterans): a diagnostic challenge

“…These cases might be triggered by cold, frostbite, traumatism of extremities or even abuse of sympathicomimetic drugs 1. The use of drugs such as cocaine, cannabis and amphetamines may mimic TAO, showing a similar arteriographic pattern 10 11…”

Molecular dissection of Porphyromonas gingivalis-related arteriosclerosis: a novel mechanism of vascular disease

“…The proliferative smooth muscle cells migrate into the intima and stimulate cell growth, resulting in the development of an aortic intimal hyperplasia that is unrelated to cholesterol deposition. A similar mechanism may explain why Buerger’s disease often occurs in subjects with P. gingivalis infection but without elevated plasma cholesterol levels (64, 79, 84). Smoking is the most important risk factor for Buerger’s disease, perhaps because reactive oxygen species generated in the blood cause injury to endothelial cells.…”

“…Nevertheless, in other types of vascular disease such as BuergerÕs disease, the plasma cholesterol level is not related to disease onset (64,79,84). Buer-gerÕs disease, an occlusive vascular disease, comprises recurring inflammation and thrombosis of the arteries and veins of the hands and feet.…”