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The vascular endothelium in diabetes and hypertension
P Vallance1, A Calver, J Collier
1Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
Insights
Endothelial cell dysfunction is linked to diabetes and hypertension, potentially causing cardiovascular issues. Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of therapies targeting endothelial function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Endothelial cells play crucial roles in regulating vascular tone, hormone metabolism, and cell growth.
- These cells synthesize vasoactive mediators and influence platelet function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on endothelial cell function in diabetes and hypertension.
- To explore the implications of endothelial dysfunction for cardiovascular control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on endothelial cells in relation to diabetes and hypertension.
- Analysis of studies investigating endothelial cell morphology and function in disease states.
Main Results:
- Diabetes is associated with endothelial cell abnormalities, including impaired relaxation and enhanced contraction.
- Hypertension exhibits similar endothelial cell defects, potentially leading to increased vascular tone, vasospasm, and atheroma.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature in both diabetes and hypertension, contributing to cardiovascular pathology.
- The therapeutic potential of interventions targeting endothelial function requires further investigation.
Purpose:
To review recent research into the function of endothelial cells in relation to diabetes and hypertension, and the implications for cardiovascular control.
Endothelial Functions:
Endothelial cells extract and inactive circulating hormones, convert inactive precursors into vasoactive products, and synthesize and secrete vasodilator and vasoconstrictor mediators, which also modify platelet function and cell growth.
Diabetes:
Abnormalities in endothelial cell morphology and function are recognized features of diabetes. Diminished endothelium-dependent relaxation and enhanced endothelium-dependent contraction have been described.
Hypertension:
Similar defects in endothelial cell function have been demonstrated in animal and human hypertension. These might lead to increased vascular tone, vasospasm, platelet activation and atheroma.
Therapy:
Certain drugs modify or mimic endothelium-derived mediators. Endothelial dysfunction may contribute to cardiovascular pathology, but the precise clinical and therapeutic significance of modifying endothelial function remains to be determined.