title: Arterial endothelium and atherothrombogenesis II--the role of endothelial dysfunction in atherothrombotic lesions.
abstract: When cardiovascular risk factors prevail, the endothelial phenotype evolves to a dysfunctional state that is characterized by decreased endothelial-dependent vasodilation and the expression of proinflammatory, procoagulant, pro-oxidant and proliferation signals. Together, these alterations cause perfusion anomalies, promote the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. There is evidence that endothelial dysfunction is a predictor and prognostic risk factor of cardiovascular events, and characterization of the state of endothelial function in all susceptible individuals is strongly recommended as a preventive measure against atherosclerotic disease and to guide and monitor antiatherogenic treatment and atherosclerotic complications.
authors.affiliation: Unidade de Biopatologia Vascular do Instituto de Medicina Molecular, e Instituto de Biopatologia Química da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. jsilva@fm.ul.pt
authors.forename: J Martins e
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Carlota
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Saldanha
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D018450:Disease Progression; D004548:Elasticity; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014661:Vasoconstriction