Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
12:50

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response

Published on: September 15, 2017

Endothelium and inflammation

M Piro1, G Giubilato, M Pinnelli

  • 1Institute of Cardiology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.

Panminerva Medica
|October 8, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Coronary heart disease (CAD) involves inflammation, with endothelial dysfunction as a key early event. Assessing endothelial vasomotion may serve as a valuable biomarker for atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Inflammation Research
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CAD) pathophysiology is increasingly understood as an inflammatory process.
  • Endothelial dysfunction is a critical early event in the development of atherosclerosis.
  • Risk factors like dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia contribute to endothelial activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving understanding of atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disease.
  • To highlight the role of endothelial dysfunction in the early stages of CAD.
  • To explore the potential of endothelial vasomotion as a biomarker for atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on atherosclerosis and endothelial function.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms linking endothelial dysfunction to vascular inflammation and thrombosis.
  • Synthesis of emerging data on endothelial vasomotion as a diagnostic marker.

Main Results:

  • Atherosclerosis is characterized by vascular inflammation initiated by endothelial dysfunction.
  • Activated endothelium promotes leukocyte adhesion, vascular inflammation, and thrombosis.
  • Endothelial dysfunction involves increased expression of adhesion molecules, production of inflammatory mediators, and pro-thrombotic factors.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is a central mechanism in the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease.
  • The activated endothelium contributes to vascular inflammation and thrombosis through various pathways.
  • Endothelial vasomotion assessment shows promise as a biomarker for detecting and monitoring atherosclerotic disease.

More Related Videos

A Microphysiological System to Study Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Interaction during Inflammation12:55

A Microphysiological System to Study Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Interaction during Inflammation

Published on: December 9, 2021

On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping12:43

On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping

Published on: July 21, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Overview of the Vascular System01:20

Overview of the Vascular System

The vascular system comprises an extensive network of arteries, capillaries, and veins. The vascular system can be broadly divided into the blood and lymphatic systems. Typically, blood vessels can be categorized into three histological regions: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. The tunica intima consists of a single layer of endothelial cells attached to the basal lamina. Underlying the basal lamina is a connective tissue layer and an elastic lamina that gives stability and...
Inflammation: Introduction01:28

Inflammation: Introduction

Inflammation is a fundamental, protective biological response of vascularized tissues to cellular injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Its primary function is to eliminate the initial cause of injury, clear necrotic cells and damaged tissue, and initiate the necessary repair processes.Cardinal SignsAcute inflammation presents with classic signs. Redness results from vasodilation and increased blood flow. Heat is due to increased metabolism and circulation. Swelling results from the...
Acute Inflammation II: Cellular Phase01:26

Acute Inflammation II: Cellular Phase

The cellular phase of acute inflammation is a tightly orchestrated sequence of events that recruits leukocytes, primarily neutrophils, to sites of tissue injury or infection. Following the initial vascular changes, this phase ensures effective immune cell migration, activation, and function at the affected site to eliminate pathogens and initiate tissue repair.Leukocyte Recruitment CascadeLeukocyte recruitment happens in four steps: margination, adhesion, transmigration, and chemotaxis. Reduced...
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
Structure of Blood Vessels01:15

Structure of Blood Vessels

Blood is circulated throughout the human body through a network of blood vessels called the circulatory system. This system includes arteries that transport blood from the heart to various body parts. These arterial pathways divide into smaller vessels until they reach the arterioles, which further split into capillaries. It is within these minuscule capillaries that the exchange of nutrients and waste products takes place. After this exchange, the blood is collected by venules, which fuse to...