Mechanical properties of the vein wall depend to a great extent on connective tissue extracellular components, as well as on their quantitative interrelations. The varicose vein wall is an example of extracellular matrix remodeling, which has been demonstrated in our numerous previously published reports. Peptide growth factors play a key role in tissue remodeling. One to the best-known growth factors is fibroblast growth factor, whose reservoir is extracellular matrix. The aim of the study was to evaluate expression and contents of fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF) in the wall of varicose veins. Segments of varicose saphenous veins and thrombophlebitic varicose saphenous veins were the studied material, whereas normal saphenous veins served as the control. FGFs were evaluated with Western blot and ELISA methods. Growth factors were extracted from investigated tissues in the form of macromolecular complexes. Basic FGF (bFGF) and acidic FGF (aFGF) were present in varicose, as well as in varicose veins complicated by thrombophlebitis. Significant increase in aFGF content was demonstrated in studied material with varicose veins complicated by thrombophlebitis in particular, when compared to normal veins. Whereas, bFGF content in varicose veins and varicose veins complicated by thrombophlebitis was comparable to that one in normal veins. The results may indicate aFGF as a factor responsible for extracellular matrix remodeling in varicose veins and varicose veins complicated by thrombophlebitis.

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