Session: 885 APS Skeletal Muscle Microvascular Function and Metabolism: Novel Approaches, Clinical Applications, and Innovative Therapies Poster Session
(885.5) Vascular and Skeletal Muscle Remodeling: Beyond Physical Inactivity.
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Exhibit/Poster Hall A-B - Pennsylvania Convention Center
Poster Board Number: E303
Anna Pedrinolla (University of Verona), Valentina Cavedon (University of Verona), Chiara Milanese (University of Verona), Chiara Barbi (University of Verona), Fabio La Ginestra (University of Verona), Gaia Giuriato (University of Verona), Camilla Martignon (University of Verona), Massimo Venturelli (University of Verona)
Vascular remodeling refers to the changes in the structure and function of vessels. This adaptability of the arteries is essential to successfully handle vascular distress and arterial disease. Both, skeletal muscle mass and the level of physical activity are independent mechanisms that plays a role in this physiological phenomenon. However, the direct impact of the skeletal muscle mass remodeling on the structure and function of the vessels is not clear.
Purpose: To determine the impact of skeletal muscle mass remodeling on lower limbs arterial diameter, blood flow and arterial stiffness.
Methods: Nine young (33±13 yrs) physical active individuals with a single-leg amputation (transtibial amputation) were recruited for the study. Vascular size (femoral artery diameter), hemodynamics (femoral artery blood flow) and arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) were measure with an ultrasound doppler device at the level of the common femoral artery in both amputee (AL) and whole limbs (WL). Skeletal muscle mass of both limbs was measured with a DEXA system. Both AL and WL were equally utilized by the individuals for ambulation and recreational sports.
Results: The skeletal muscle mass of the AL was significantly reduced in comparison to the WL (3.2±1.2 Kg Vs 9.4±2.1 Kg; P=0.0011). Also, the diameter of the femoral artery was significantly reduced in the AL 0.5±0.1 cm in comparison to the WL 0.9±0.2 (p=0.0012). However, femoral artery blood flow normalized for the muscle mass (mean difference 49.07 ml۰min-1۰kg-1; p = 0.11) and carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (mean difference 0.91 cm۰s-1; p =0.21) were similar between the two legs. Interestingly, linear regression analysis shows a significant correlation between skeletal muscle mass and femoral artery diameter (p=0.0031).
Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the massive skeletal muscle reduction caused by a transtibial amputation, but independent form the level of physical activity, is coupled by a dramatic arterial diameter decrease. Interestingly, local circulation and arterial stiffness seems not impacted by these structural changes.
