Validation of a Gravitational Model to Study Local Endogenous Biomarkers in Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Unlike most systemic chronic diseases, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is ideal to study using endogenous biomarkers. The stimulus causing damage can be turned on and off with gravitational positioning and venous blood samples can be taken locally. Annexin V (apoptosis) and microparticles (cell membrane debris) were used as markers of cell destruction, with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as markers of tissue remodelling. The aim of this proof of concept study was to validate a gravitational model by investigating whether standing induced biochemical stress and whether recovery occurs on lying and after compression