RECIPROCAL DYNAMICS OF CD34 AND α-SMA EXPRESSION AS MARKERS OF STAGED LEG ARTERY REMODELING IN EXPERIMENTAL METABOLIC SYNDROME

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the combined dynamics of the endothelial marker CD34 and the smooth muscle marker α-SMA in the leg arteries in experimental metabolic syndrome (MS) and to substantiate a staged model of arterial remodeling. MS was induced in 90 sexually mature male white laboratory rats by a high-calorie diet combined with a 10% fructose solution as drinking water for 30, 60 and 90 days. The external iliac, femoral, popliteal, anterior and posterior tibial arteries were examined by immunohistochemistry and digital morphometry. The proportion of CD34-positive endothelial cells decreased from 87.53% in controls to 70.19%, 58.42% and 46.78% on days 30, 60 and 90, respectively. In contrast, the α-SMA-positive area of the media increased from 68.40% to 76.80%, peaked at 89.56% on day 60 and remained high (85.42%) on day 90. The two markers were strongly inversely correlated (r=−0.81; p<0.001). The α-SMA/CD34 ratio, calculated from group means, rose from 0.78 in controls to 1.09, 1.53 and 1.83, i.e. 2.3-fold by day 90. Three successive stages of remodeling were distinguished: endothelial–intimal (day 30), medial hypertrophic (day 60) and fibrotic (day 90). Combined assessment of CD34 and α-SMA determines the stage of peripheral arterial remodeling in MS more precisely than either marker alone.