History Of Varicose Vein Treatments

What Type of Protein Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are hereditary. Sometimes they skip a generation, but they are indeed a trait passed between families. Recent research suggests that doctors may eventually be able to isolate the protein that causes varicose veins. This could mean new treatment options in the future.

How we do we know?

In 2011, German researchers discovered a single protein that binds to DNA to control the way a gene functions.

Thomas Korff, Ph.D., from the University of Heidelberg, increased the blood pressure in white mice’ ears, but he only focused on a single vein. He compared specific proteins in the white mice’ veins with human varicose veins. By hindering the transcription factor AP-1 in the mouse ear model, Dr. Korff found that a blend of proteins associated with varicose remodeling and the proliferation of blood vessel smooth muscle cells—were significantly reduced—and the varicose remodeling process was “virtually abolished.”

So, what does this mean for the future treatment of varicose veins?

By using a decoy, Dr. Korff was able to isolate and counteract the development of varicose veins in the white mouse’s ear. According to Dr. Korff, the ointment containing the oligo decoy used in the study has already been used to study other skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

However, it is still vital to seek treatment as soon as you notice a varicose vein developing. The disease spreads over connecting links. It does not stay isolated. And that calls for a systemic intervention, Dr. Korff said. One side effect of some of the statin drugs used to treat high blood cholesterol, Dr. Korff says, is that they inhibit the activity of AP-1.

With more research, time and effort, this could be the future of varicose vein treatment.