Significance of Fractal Analysis in Coronary Arteriole Structural Changes Post 5/6 Nephrectomy in Rat.

Abstract

This study explores the utility of fractal dimension (FD) analysis in assessing structural alterations in coronary arterioles following 5/6 nephrectomy in rats, a widely used model for chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular morbidity, partly due to microvascular damage. Structural changes in coronary arterioles-typically 10-150 µm in diameter-such as medial thickening, increased collagen deposition, and lumen narrowing, can impair myocardial perfusion and contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. To quantitatively characterize these microvascular changes, we employed FD analysis, a mathematical approach capable of evaluating tissue complexity and self-similarity. This methodology enables objective quantification of remodeling in coronary resistance vessels under pathological conditions. Our findings suggest that FD analysis serves as a reliable marker for the evaluation of microvascular integrity in CKD and provides insights into the mitigating effects of pharmacological interventions targeting the renin-angiotensin system.