FIGURE 2.

A and B, IL‐17 mRNA expression levels in the vein wall of patients in the different study groups as determined by RT‐qPCR. C‐F. Images of IL‐17 protein in the vein wall of patients in the different study groups. NR<50, patients younger than 50 y without reflux; NR≥50, patients without reflux aged 50 y or older; R < 50, patients younger than 50 y with reflux; R ≥ 50, patients with reflux aged 50 y or older; I, tunica intima; M, tunica media; A, tunica adventitia. The arrow indicates IL‐17 protein expression in the vein wall. P < .05 (*).NR (n = 29) [NR<50(n = 13); NR≥50 (n = 16)]; R (n = 81) [R < 50(n = 32); R ≥ 50 (n = 49)]. For statistical analyses, was used Mann‐Whitney U test