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Regulation of endothelial cell apoptosis in atherothrombosis
Stefanie Dimmeler1, Judith Haendeler, Andreas M Zeiher
1Molecular Cardiology, Derpartment of Internal Medicine IV, University of Frankfurt, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany. dimmeler@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Insights
Endothelial cell apoptosis contributes to cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis. Understanding its regulation by redox balance and S-nitrosylation is key to developing new treatments for coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Endothelial cell apoptosis is increasingly implicated in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
- Atherogenesis, plaque erosion, and acute coronary syndromes are linked to programmed cell death in endothelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current findings on the role of endothelial cell apoptosis in coronary artery disease (CAD) progression.
- To discuss critical signaling pathways regulating endothelial cell apoptosis.
- To highlight the influence of redox balance and S-nitrosylation on endothelial cell survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on endothelial cell apoptosis and CAD.
- Analysis of signaling events, focusing on redox balance (reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide).
- Examination of the protective role of S-nitrosylation against endothelial cell apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cell apoptosis is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of CAD.
- Redox balance, particularly the interplay between reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, critically regulates endothelial cell apoptosis.
- S-nitrosylation of protein targets emerges as a key protective mechanism against endothelial cell death.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cell apoptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of coronary artery disease.
- Modulating the redox balance and leveraging S-nitrosylation pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for CAD.
- Further research into these signaling mechanisms is warranted for effective cardiovascular disease management.
Abstract:
Increasing evidence suggests that endothelial cell apoptosis might contribute to atherogenesis, plaque erosion and acute coronary syndromes. The present review article summarizes the current findings and discusses the potential role of endothelial cell apoptosis for coronary artery disease progression. Moreover, the signalling events that critically regulate endothelial cell apoptosis are discussed. The article focuses on the regulation of endothelial cell apoptosis by the redox balance, which is mainly determined by reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Moreover, the role of S-nitrosylation of protein targets for protection of endothelial cell apoptosis will be discussed.