OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cutaneous microcirculation in the skin of a finger and forearm with the definition of normative ranges and its relationship with central hemodynamic parameters in healthy men of working age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 60 men aged 30 to 60 years (43±7.9), who, according to the instrumental and laboratory methods of research, did not have deviations from the norm and did not take medications on an ongoing basis. All participants underwent computerized nailfold video capillaroscopy (CCS) on the left hand, laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) on the left forearm and middle finger with constrictor and dilator functional tests, ultrasound examination of brachiocephalic and femoral arteries, right brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation, echocardiography (ECHO), 24-hour BP monitoring (ABPM) on a left arm and blood samples.

RESULTS

Using CCS and LDF methods the range of normative values of various structural and functional state indicators of skin microvessels in the forearm and finger was determined in healthy men of working age. No correlations between capillary bed parameters according to CCS and the central hemodynamic parameters according to ECHO and ABPM were revealed. Functional state of resistive arterioles in both skin areas according to LDF is reliably negatively correlates with LVM, the size of the heart chambers, nocturnal SBP as well as DBP. Postocclusive reactive hyperemia in the forearm negatively correlates with SBP and DBP both in the day and nighttime.

Concluison. The identified normative parameters and the designed protocol for a non-invasive study of the structural and functional state of microcirculatory blood flow in the skin in healthy men of working age can be applied as a part of a comprehensive study of the human cardiovascular system.