Fatty acids and signalling in endothelial cells.
The endothelium is critical for the maintenance of a proper vessel function. Disturbances of endothelial function, called endothelial dysfunction, have serious implications, and lead to the development of atherosclerosis. It is well established that the risk for atherosclerosis development is influenced by nutritional factors such as the intake of certain fatty acids. Due to the fundamental role of the endothelium for atherosclerosis development, it is, therefore, likely that fatty acids directly influence the function of endothelial cells. The present review aims to explain the divergent effects of different types of fatty acids on cardiovascular disease risk by summarizing in vitro-data on the effects of fatty acids on (1) important signalling pathways involved in the modulation of endothelial cell function, and (2) endothelial cell functional properties, namely vasoactive mediator release and mononuclear cell recruitment, both of which are typically dysregulated during endothelial dysfunction.
Ringseis
Robert
R
Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
Eder
Klaus
K
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D047492:Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D047488:Retinoid X Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D005227:Fatty Acids; D047492:Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; D047488:Retinoid X Receptors