Spectral Characteristics of Microcirculatory Signals Response to Muscle Stretching among Diabetic Smokers

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is reported to be the major risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. The variations of the spectral compositions of microcirculatory perfusion signal could provide the information related to the regulatory function of microvasculature. The aim of the present study was to compare the spectral characteristics response to muscle stretching between diabetic smokers and non-smokers, and investigate the influence of cigarette smoking on microvascular function. Twenty four diabetic patients (12 smokers v.s. 12 non-smokers) and twelve normal non-smoking subjects were recruited. We observed that the diabetic smokers had a significantly reduced endothelial activity. The mechanisms for the reduction of the endothelial activity remain to be elucidated. The spectral analysis might be used to evaluate endothelial function for research, for diagnostic purposes, and maybe also to assess effects of therapy in cardiovascular diseases.