Vascular Endothelium: An Integrator of Pathophysiologic Stimuli in Cardiovascular Disease

摘要: Vascular endothelium comprises the continuous lining of cardiovascular system, and, as such, forms a dynamic interface between circulating blood and all other tissues organs. Therefore, it is strategically situated to monitor blood-borne and/or locally generated stimuli adaptively alter its functional state. This physiologic process typically proceeds without notice, contributing normal homeostasis1. However, nonadaptive changes in properties vascular endothelium, provoked by various pathologic stimuli, can result localized, acute chronic, alterations interactions cellular macromolecular components with arterial wall. These include: altered permeability plasma lipoproteins; increased cytokine growth factor production; imbalances procoagulant fibrinolytic activities; hyperadhesiveness for leukocytes. manifestations, collectively termed “endothelial dysfunction”, play an important role initiation, progression clinical complications diseases2.