Relevance of disease‐ and organ‐specific endothelial cells for in vitro research

Abstract

The endothelium is a dynamic, heterogeneous, disseminated organ that possesses vital secretory, synthetic, metabolic and immunological functions. Endothelial dysfunction has been implicated as a key factor in the development of organ-specific vascular diseases. This minireview gives a brief overview on EC (endothelial cell) biomarkers in arterial and venous endothelium and critically discusses the different sources of ECs that are most frequently applied in in vitro assays and research. The relevance of organ- and disease-specific endothelial cell cultures for studying cellular responses as a basis for improving therapeutic interventions is highlighted with particular emphasis on endothelial dysfunction in transplant-associated coronary artery disease, in atherosclerotic lesions and in response to diabetes mellitus.

The effects of hyperoxia on microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and production of vaso-active substances

“…However, the response to extreme and moderate hyperoxic exposure can differ in endothelial cells from different vascular beds and different species [54]. In this in vitro study, we investigated whether the ROS peroxynitrite, measured by nitrotyrosine as an indirect marker, played a role in the toxic effects of hyperoxia.…”

Cyclic and constant hyperoxia cause inflammation, apoptosis and cell death in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

“…24 Importantly, apoptotic endothelial cells loosen from the vessel walls and intracellular adherens junctions, thereby triggering microvascular permeability and promoting thrombotic lesions. HUVECs serve as model to study vascular diseases (e.g., diabetes, myocardial infarction, systemic lupus erythematosus), pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) or pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) are used to study lung-specific endothelial function (e.g., lung injury, pulmonary hypertension), and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) or human saphenous vein endothelial cells (HSVEC) for vascular responses (e.g., artherosclerosis, diabetes).…”

“…HUVECs serve as model to study vascular diseases (e.g., diabetes, myocardial infarction, systemic lupus erythematosus), pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) or pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) are used to study lung-specific endothelial function (e.g., lung injury, pulmonary hypertension), and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) or human saphenous vein endothelial cells (HSVEC) for vascular responses (e.g., artherosclerosis, diabetes). 24 Importantly, apoptotic endothelial cells loosen from the vessel walls and intracellular adherens junctions, thereby triggering microvascular permeability and promoting thrombotic lesions. 25 Further, innate immunity and endothelial cell death are linked such as mediated by toll-like receptors that modulate Fas pathway activity.…”

“…40 Different endothelial cells (e.g., PAEC, PMVEC, HCAEC, HSVEC) might exhibit different responses after hyperoxic challenge. 24 Further, the interplay of multiple cell types such as immune cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and others has to be taken into consideration when interpreting our results. Another limitation is that cell cultures de-differentiate with replication and cellular response might differ from true in vivo settings.…”

Endothelial Cells Derived From Nuclear Reprogramming

“…13, 14 More recently, direct “endothelial biopsy” has permitted immunohistochemical and genetic techniques for single cell analyses. 15 However, these approaches have severe limitations with respect to gaining molecular insights into endothelial biology, therefore methods for culturing endothelial cells in vitro have been developed and refined.…”