Endothelial activation response to oral micronised flavonoid therapy in patients with chronic venous disease - a prospective study

Background: endothelial activation is important in the pathogenesis of skin changes due to chronic venous disease (CVD). Purified micronised flavonoid Junction has been used for symptomatic treatment of CVD for a considerable period of time. The exact mode of action of these compounds remains unknow n. Aim: to study the effects of micronised purified flavonoidic fraction (Dafl on(R) 500 mg, Servier, France) treatment on plasma markers of endothelial a ctivation. Materials and methods: twenty patients with chronic venous disease were tre ated for 60 days with DAFLON(R) 500 mg twice daily. Duplex ultrasonography and PPG was used to assess the venous disease, Blood was collected from a f oot vein immediately before starting treatment and within 1 week of stoppin g treatment. Plasma markers of endothelial activation were measured using c ommercial ELISA kits. Results: reduction in the level of ICAM-1, 32% (141 ng/ml: 73 ng/ml) and VC AM 29% (1292 ng/ml: 717 ng/ml) was seen. Reduction in plasma lactoferrin (3 6% decrease, 760 ng/ml: 560 ng/ml) and VW factor occurred in the C4 group o nly. Conclusions: micronised purified flavonoidic fraction treatment for 60 days seems to decrease the levels of some plasma markers of endothelial activat ion. This could ameliorate the dermatological effects of (CVD). This could also explain some of the pharmacological actions of these compounds. Our st udy demonstrates the feasibility of using soluble endothelial adhesion mole cules as markers for treatment.