title: Cardiac catheterization: consequences for the endothelium and potential for nanomedicine.
abstract: Cardiac catheterization results in interactions between the catheter and surfaces and the artery lumen, which is lined by the endothelium. These interactions can range from minor rubbing to severe mechanical injury. Further, in the case of radial access, even atraumatic interactions have consequences ranging from clinical complications, such as radial spasm and radial occlusion, to lasting endothelial cell dysfunction. These consequences may be underappreciated; however, endothelial cells play a central role in maintaining vascular homeostasis via nitric oxide production. Existing treatment paradigms do not address endothelial dysfunction or damage and, thus, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Nanomedicine, in particular, offers great potential in the form of targeted drug delivery, via functionalized coatings or nanocarriers, aimed at increased nitric oxide bioavailability or reduced inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biomaterials and Microbiological Technologies, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sobolewski
authors.forename: Miroslawa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El Fray
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001167:Arteritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000293:injuries*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D009205:Myocarditis; D053769:Nanocapsules / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D053769:Nanocapsules