TGF-β1 in Vascular Wall Pathology: Unraveling Chronic Venous Insufficiency Pathophysiology

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins occur commonly in affluent countries and are a socioeconomic burden. However, there remains a relative lack of knowledge about venous pathophysiology. Various theories have been suggested, yet the molecular sequence of events is poorly understood. Transforming growth factor-beta one (TGF-β1) is a highly complex polypeptide with multifunctional properties that has an active role during embryonic development, in adult organ physiology and in the pathophysiology of major diseases, including cancer and various autoimmune, fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, an emphasis on understanding its signaling pathways (and possible disruptions) will be an essential requirement for a better comprehension and management of specific diseases. This review aims at shedding more light on venous pathophysiology by describing the TGF-β1 structure, function, activation and signaling, and providing an overview of how this growth factor and disturbances in its signaling pathway may contribute to specific pathological processes concerning the vessel wall which, in turn, may have a role in chronic venous insufficiency.

MiR‐27 alleviates myocardial cell damage induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation via targeting TGFBR1 and inhibiting NF‐κB pathway

“…Among the candidate genes, TGFBR1 were selected as a potential target. TGFBR1, a major component of the atherosclerotic process, is a specific TGF‐β receptor that mediates the physiological and pathological function of TGF‐β . TGFBR1 is critical for mediating the effects of TGF‐β‐induced on almost all cell types of cardiovascular system, including myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages .…”

“…TGFBR1, a major component of the atherosclerotic process, is a specific TGF-β receptor that mediates the physiological and pathological function of TGF-β. 22 TGFBR1 is critical for mediating the effects of TGF-β-induced on almost all cell types of cardiovascular system, including myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. 23 It has found that miR-130a-3p might play a critical role in negatively regulating HSC proliferation by directly targeting TGFBR1 via TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.…”

Retracted: Transforming Growth Factor Beta‐1 Promotes Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration in an Arteriovenous Fistulae: The Role of Wall Shear Stress

“…Transforming growth factor-β is a family of cytokines participating in regulating growth and differentiation of cells (13). TGF-β1 was involved in various physiologic and pathologic conditions, which has many functions, including stimulating the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.…”

Metformin reduces risk of varicose veins in patients with type 2 diabetes

“…Varicose veins often start from the lower extremities and are always diagnosed by physicians at a stage with clinical manifestations of oedema, engorging and tortuous veins, or venous ulceration. It affects more women than men in most populations . An early survey in Finland showed that the prevalence rates of physician‐diagnosed varicose veins were 25% in women and 7% in men .…”

“…An early survey in Finland showed that the prevalence rates of physician‐diagnosed varicose veins were 25% in women and 7% in men . However, reported prevalence rates varied remarkably in different studies, from less than 1% to 73% in women and 2% to 56% in men . The Finnish study identified risk factors such as age, body height, body mass index, standing at work, high socio‐economic status, and the numbers of births (in women) .…”