title: Vascular endothelium - Gatekeeper of vessel health.
abstract: The vascular endothelium is an interface between the blood stream and the vessel wall. Changes in this single cell layer of the artery wall are believed of primary importance in the pathogenesis of vascular disease/atherosclerosis. The endothelium responds to humoral, neural and especially hemodynamic stimuli and regulates platelet function, inflammatory responses, vascular smooth muscle cell growth and migration, in addition to modulating vascular tone by synthesizing and releasing vasoactive substances. Compromised endothelial function contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease; endothelial 'dysfunction' is associated with risk factors, correlates with disease progression, and predicts cardiovascular events. Therapies for atherosclerosis have been developed, therefore, that are directed towards improving endothelial function.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cahill
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. Electronic address: Eileen_Redmond@urmc.rochester.edu.
authors.forename: Eileen M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Redmond
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015444:Exercise; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019276:Glycocalyx / Q000737:chemistry; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D051379:Mice; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D010539:Permeability; D012307:Risk Factors; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents
keywords: Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular disease; Clinical therapies; Endothelial dysfunction; Endothelium; Review; Vessel remodeling