Heliyon (Jan 2022)

Assessment of androgen receptor, IGF-IR and insulin receptor expression in male patients with severe peripheral artery disease

  • Michele Andreucci,
  • Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo,
  • Umberto Marcello Bracale,
  • Nicola Ielapi,
  • Michele Provenzano,
  • Diletta D'Iuorno,
  • Ashour Michael,
  • Pasquale Mastroroberto,
  • Giuseppe Filiberto Serraino,
  • Marcello Maggiolini,
  • Raffaele Serra

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. e08756

Abstract

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Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is a common condition that can affect quality of life. Androgen receptor (AR) can exert sex-specific effects on metabolic system, endothelial function and vascular tone. IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor (IR) may also be involved in the aforementioned functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate AR, IGF-IR and IR expression in the arterial vessel walls of PAD patients. Results: This is a cross-sectional study examining 30 males with PAD undergoing open surgery procedures. Mean age was 75.9 ± 8.8y. All patients belonged to Rutherford stage 4–6. Median expression levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR significantly decreased from stage 4–6 (p < 0.05). Significance: The study evidenced a progressive decrease of IR, IGF-IR and AR expression as the severity of disease increased. Altered levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR following PAD may be useful for the clinical evaluation of these patients.

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