Aims and background: In this study, the densities of collagen 1 and collagen 4, which are an effective vascular component in the remodelling of varicose veins, were investigated.
Materials and methods: The study included primary varicose vein samples of 20 patients and vein samples of 20 healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using collagen 1 and collagen 4 antibodies. Histochemical staining was performed using Masson Trichrome.
Results: In the immunohistochemical analysis of varicose samples, collagen 1 immunostaining was negative in 17 cases (85%) and positive in 3 cases (15%). In healthy venous tissue samples, collagen 1 immunostaining was negative in 12 cases (60%) and positive in 8 cases (40%). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups concerning collagen 1 immunostaining (p > 0.05). In varicose samples, collagen 4 immunostaining was negative in 4 cases (20%) and positive in 16 cases (80%). In healthy venous tissue samples, collagen 4 immunostaining was negative in 13 cases (65%) and positive in 7 cases (35%). Statistical comparison of healthy veins and varicose veins concerning collagen 4 immunostaining showed a significant difference (p = 0.03). In the histochemical analysis of varicose samples, Masson Trichrome staining was negative in 4 cases (20%) and positive in 16 cases (80%). In healthy venous tissue samples, Masson Trichrome staining was negative in 18 cases (90%) and positive in 2 cases (10%). Statistical comparison of healthy veins and varicose veins concerning collagen 4 immunostaining showed a significant difference (p = 0.01).
Conclusion: The change in the density of collagen types plays an important role in vein wall remodeling.
Keywords: Collagen1; collagen4; immunohistochemistry; varicose vein.