Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: History and Analysis of the Clinical Utility of the Relationship

Abstract

The endothelium is the single-cell monolayer that lines the entire vasculature. The endothelium has a barrier function to separate blood from organs and tissues but also has an increasingly appreciated role in anti-coagulation, vascular senescence, endocrine secretion, suppression of inflammation and beyond. In modern times, endothelial cells have been identified as the source of major endocrine and vaso-regulatory factors principally the dissolved lipophilic vosodilating gas, nitric oxide and the potent vascular constricting G protein receptor agonists, the peptide endothelin. The role of the endothelium can be conveniently conceptualized. Continued investigations of the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction will lead to novel therapies for cardiovascular disease. In this review, we discuss the impact of endothelial dysfunction on cardiovascular disease and assess the clinical relevance of endothelial dysfunction.

Delivery of Nitric Oxide in the Cardiovascular System: Implications for Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy

“…The subsequent activated cGMP-dependent protein kinases culminate in a decrease in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration and the desensitization of the 2 of 18 actin-myosin interaction in Ca 2+ , both of which lead to vasodilation [9,10] (Figure 1a). However, impaired endothelial function leads to the insufficient release of NO and an increase in the biochemical localization of atherosclerosis [11][12][13]. In arterial pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory M2-polarized macrophages in the lipid pool activate to the pro-inflammatory M1-polarized macrophages and express iNOS [14,15] (Figure 1b).…”

Endothelial Dysfunction: From a Pathophysiological Mechanism to a Potential Therapeutic Target

“…Other pertinent studies [ 21 , 22 , 23 ] have been published in this Special Issue, all of which contribute to providing an interesting insight into the molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and its role as a biomarker of inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular disease. The prognostic and therapeutic implications of endothelial dysfunction have been analyzed in both review and original articles, with intriguing new findings and potentially relevant repercussions in clinical practice and future research.…”

Formononetin protects against ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction by activating PPAR-γ signaling based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

“…Cigarette smoking, hypertension, blood cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus are demonstrated as major risk factors associated with atherosclerosis [ 31 ]. Endothelial dysfunction is reported to be involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis [ 32 ]. Thus, improving endothelial function might be an effective strategy for atherosclerosis treatment.…”